As part of International Day of Plant Health, on May 12, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is urging Canadians to take action to protect Canada’s plants—an essential resource for our food, economy, and environment.

Plants provide 98% of the oxygen we breathe and 80% of the food we eat. In Canada, plant-based sectors contribute $150 billion in GDP, including $33 billion in grains and oilseeds, $882 million in ornamental flowers, plants and trees, and $36.2 billion in forestry products.  

However, plants face ongoing threats from harmful pests—including insects, pathogens, and other organisms—that can arrive through cargo, packaging, firewood, or travellers’ baggage. Once introduced, these pests can devastate crops, gardens and forests, threatening biodiversity and harming Canada’s economy.

Protecting plant health is everyone’s responsibility. Like border control and hygiene for plants, plant biosecurity helps safeguard our food supply, protects jobs, enables smooth trade, and preserves forests and natural spaces for future generations.

The CFIA protects plants through comprehensive regulations, border controls, surveillance, quarantine measures, public education, scientific risk assessment and laboratory analysis. This integrated approach supports the sustainability, productivity, and safety of our agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Everyone can help stop the spread of invasive pests:

• Don’t bring back any vegetables, fruits, tubers, seeds, plants or soil when you travel. These may carry plant pests.
• Be cautious when buying plants, seeds or plant products online. Always verify the source and check if a phytosanitary certificate or an import permit is required before shipping.
• If you grow crops, implement crop biosecurity standards.
• If you spot any unfamiliar pests or signs of plant disease, report them to the CFIA.

The United Nations recognizes May 12 as the International Day of Plant Health to emphasize that protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, safeguard the environment and biodiversity and stimulate economic development.

“Protecting plant health is vital for our environment, food supply, and economy. On the International Day of Plant Health, Canada reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding our crops and natural resources from harmful pests and diseases. By working together at home and globally, we can ensure a secure, sustainable future for generations to come.”

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food