Donal Hickey: Plant passport check — don't bring plants and seeds home from abroad

Irish Examiner

4 days ago

Think of rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, and giant hogweed… just three of the many non-native plants brought into Ireland and which are now an environmental nuisance, to say the very least.
All three, along with many others, are targets of ongoing eradication programmes which, in some cases, are battling against the odds. Like many invasive species, they grow prolifically and damage many of our native plants and the environment in general.
Giant hogweed cordoned off ahead of treatment
Such imported plants, as well as invasive, non-native animals, are described by the National Biodiversity Data Centre as the greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction.
Rhododendron at the Vee, County Tipperary. Picture: Dan Linehan
Rhododendron, for example, takes over native woodland such as oak, and prevents the growth of young saplings, with severe impacts in places like Killarney National Park.
Japanese knotweed can grow through concrete and damage buildings. Hogweed can cause burns and skin damage, and destabilise riverbanks.
A plant passport is a document containsing vital information required for the trade of seeds, cuttings, plants, and trees between businesses in the EU
And, with people travelling abroad more often and to far-flung, destinations, the risks of exotic, though unwelcome, plants being brought here grows.
Ireland continues to participate in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign — a European project to raise awareness of the critical role plant health plays in protecting food, biodiversity, and the environment.
It's all about encouraging people to become active plant health ambassadors.
The 2025 campaign is supported by our Department of Agriculture, and celebrity garden designer, Diarmuid Gavin, is the plant goodwill ambassador for Ireland.
The #PlantHealth4Life campaign urges travellers not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, as these items may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid phytosanitary or plant health certificate. Picture: Maxwells
Louise Byrne, our chief plant health officer, says everyone can contribute to protecting plant health. People should travel wisely and avoid bringing plants and seeds home from abroad.
'Practice responsible sourcing of plants with plant passports from reputable operators. Monitor plants in your garden and in the wider environment for pests and diseases. Empower the next generation by teaching children about the importance of plant health,' she adds.
Travellers are asked not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, which may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora.
Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid plant health certificate. Good plant hygiene practices in home gardens and outdoors spaces also prevent the spread to neighbouring plants and natural habitats.
Diarmuid Gavin says our gardens are frontline defences: 'Every seed we sow responsibly and every pest we spot early is a step toward protecting Ireland's natural environment. This campaign reminds us that plant health begins at home, and we all have a role to play.'
Perhaps the greatest example of destruction which can be wrought by an imported plant is the blight that caused the Famine. The blight is believed to have been brought to Europe on potato shipments from the Americas.
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