Plant Health Strategy announcement welcomed

“There is much opportunity in greater coordination of the research, policy and industry to get all players working together to meet the threats of emergent new diseases, to develop of more nature-based solutions and to face up to climate change.

Scientists at the James Hutton Institute have welcomed the launch of a Plant Health Strategy by Dr Aileen McLeod MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform. The new strategy includes the appointment of a Scottish plant health officer and the establishment of a Centre of Expertise for Plant Health.

Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “We welcome the Minister’s announcement. Plant health is a hugely important topic for our agriculture, forestry and native species.

“There is much opportunity in greater coordination of the research, policy and industry to get all players working together to meet the threats of emergent new diseases, to develop of more nature-based solutions and to face up to climate change.”

Plant health is a key area of work at the James Hutton Institute and one of the Institute’s six research themes is dedicated to its study and development.

Professor Ian Toth, research leader, commented: “Weeds, pests and diseases cause major reductions in crop yields if uncontrolled; climate change and growth in global trade have increased the risks of introducing new pathogens which may also destroy native species, drastically changing landscapes.

“Novel and sustainable strategies are needed to manage or counter these threats. The new Plant Health Centre will help ensure better coordination of effort.”