The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has proclaimed 2020 the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH).
The year is expected to increase awareness by the public and policy makers of the importance of healthy plants and the necessity to protect them in order to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
According to a press release by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji issued today, up to 40 percent of global food crops are lost annually due to plant pests.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Year of Plant Health is a key initiative to highlight the importance of plant health to enhance food security, protect the environment and biodiversity, and boost economic development.
The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) is the national authority tasked to protect the environment and agriculture of Fiji against the introduction of dangerous pests and diseases of plants.
BAF said it is proud to be involved in the celebrations to raise awareness of plant health and invites relevant stakeholders and professionals to make suggestions for IYPH events.
