The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Finnish Food Authority are campaigning for plant health for the fourth consecutive year. As part of the campaign, the Finnish Food Authority reminds everyone in Finland that we all have a responsibility to protect plant health and, in doing so, safeguard Finland’s forests. The health of forest trees is vital for forest biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and forestry.
The Finnish Food Authority and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are promoting plant health through the PlantHealth4Life campaign. The campaign aims to remind us that protecting plant health is everyone’s responsibility. Plant health is vital for forest biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and forestry. Healthy forests provide habitats for numerous species, capture carbon and produce renewable raw materials.
Finland’s forests are strong and thriving, but they are dominated by just four tree species: Scots pine, Norway spruce, downy birch and silver birch. This limited diversity of tree species makes them vulnerable to new plant pests arriving from elsewhere.
Pine, spruce and birch make up a large proportion of Finland’s forests, meaning that even a single pest affecting one of these tree species could have significant consequences. If a serious plant pest becomes widespread, its impacts can extend far beyond individual trees.
“We all have a responsibility to prevent quarantine pests that are harmful to forest trees, and therefore to the environment, from spreading. By keeping an eye on our surroundings, we can help prevent more extensive damage. If you suspect a plant pest, take a photo of it and report it to the Finnish Food Authority,” says Liisa Vihervuori, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Food Authority.
Healthy forests are a vital part of a biodiverse natural environment
The Finnish Food Authority surveys forest pests throughout Finland. Pests are monitored in locations including forests, areas near ports and timber storage sites. Inspectors look for even the smallest signs in trees, such as holes in trunks, larval galleries, resin flows and unusual damage.
Plant pests include insects that damage trees and plant diseases. Particularly harmful are non-native species that do not naturally occur in Finland and that, if they spread, can cause significant damage to forests and the natural environment. Pests can enter Finland through international trade and transport, wooden packaging material and travel, for example.
Particularly serious threats to Finnish forestry include the bronze birch borer, which attacks birch trees, and the pine wood nematode. This summer, emerald ash borers were detected in the EU for the first time.
“When it comes to controlling forest pests, speed is crucial. The earlier a new pest is detected, the better our chances of preventing it from spreading and limiting the potential damage. This is why even seemingly minor signs should be taken seriously and observations should be reported,” Vihervuori urges.
How to protect the forests
- Keep an eye on forests. Look out for unusual damage, trees that have died suddenly and unfamiliar insects. Remember to check your own garden for pests as well.
- Take photos both close, showing the surface of the tree, and from further away if you notice anything suspicious.
- Report your observation to the Finnish Food Authority if you suspect a quarantine pest.
- Do not bring plants or seeds home from abroad. They may carry pests that do not occur in Finland.
- Remember that plant pests can spread in wooden packaging material. Inspect packaging materials carefully.
About the campaign
#PlantHealth4Life is a multi-year, multinational campaign led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission and 33 European countries. The campaign aims to improve understanding of the close connection between plant health and our everyday lives and to encourage citizens to take action to protect plant health. The #PlantHealth4Life website provides information and materials on the topic in all EU languages. The materials can be shared, for example, on social media.
The Finnish Food Authority works to promote food safety, animal health and welfare, and plant health; supports the vitality of rural areas; and develops and maintains information systems, e-services and registers.