Publications

Recognizing the importance of plant health

©FAO/Mahmoud Shamrouk

07/05/2025

Plant health plays a crucial role in global food security and safety, safe trade, and the environment, and it is interconnected with human, animal and environmental health.

FAO has welcomed a UN decision to establish an annual International Day of Plant Health on 12 May, so brush up on your knowledge through a selection of FAO publications highlighting the importance of plant health and its relevance to One Health.

All news and updates on the observance can be found on the IDPH website.

The Third Report on The State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) are essential to sustainable agrifood systems. As over 80 percent of the world’s food comes from plants, protecting and sustainably using PGRFA is a cornerstone of agrifood systems transformation. This publication presents a comprehensive assessment of the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, and the human and institutional capacities to support these efforts.

City region food systems: Responding to shocks and stresses – Insights from a global survey
In response to recent shocks and stresses on city region food systems (CRFS) across the world, FAO, together with various City Networks, conducted a global survey in 2022 designed to identify effective responses to such shocks and stresses, with the aim of enhancing the resilience and sustainability of CRFS. An important finding indicates the importance of investing in storage and processing capacities, although this is perceived as the least utilized response across all income categories.

How to use antimicrobials effectively and responsibly in plant production, for the sake of human and plant health
Prudent, rational and targeted use of antimicrobials in plant production maximizes their therapeutic efficacy while reducing the risk of development of resistance and environmental contamination, thus improving food safety. This publication presents the four principles underlying such responsible use: i) reduce the need for antimicrobials; ii) manage plant disease with minimal antimicrobials; iii) follow antimicrobial use directions carefully; and iv) dispose of unused and expired antimicrobials and containers safely.

Biopesticides – Operational use against locusts
This leaflet advocates for the use of biopesticides against locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA), where 4.2 million hectares are treated annually with chemical pesticides. It explains the rationale for using biopesticides, which have no negative impact on human health and the environment, and provides information on what they are and how they work.

Sustainable nitrogen management in agrifood systems
Nitrogen is an essential element in nature, forming critical compounds necessary for all living organisms. However, its improper management in agrifood systems can degrade air, water and soil quality, while excessive extraction from soils leads to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and exacerbation of climate change. This report sheds light on the challenges associated with its use and explores solutions for improving nitrogen management in crop and livestock systems to enhance efficiency while reducing pollution.

International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Annual Report 2024
This report outlines the Secretariat's key achievements in 2024. Milestones include the commemoration of the International Day of Plant Health; the implementation of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme; the adoption of modifications to four International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures; and the adoption of a Commission on Phytosanitary Measures Recommendation on Sea Containers.

Additional resources

Resource mobilization for IPPC’s core work areas

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