New national Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026-2030 launched

L-R: Louise Byrne (chief plant health officer), Martin Heydon TD (Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine)

The strategy aims to protect Ireland’s horticulture and forestry sectors and the wider environment from plant pests and diseases

Horticulture

Read More: Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026-2030

28 July 2026

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has launched the second Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026-2030.

Building on the previous 2020–2025 framework, this new strategy aims to protect Ireland’s agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors and the wider environment from plant pests and diseases thereby safeguarding food security, facilitating safe trade and protecting the environment.

“Plants produce 98% of the oxygen we breathe and more than 80% of the food we eat. Healthy plants make a significant contribution to agricultural production, food security, economic activity, biodiversity, environmental health, and people’s wellbeing,” Minister Heydon said.

The strategy acknowledges Ireland’s key natural advantages, geographical isolation and temperate climate, which help prevent pest and disease incursions and outbreaks, but it also identifies that risks to plant health are increasing due to increased globalisation, e-commerce and climate change.

The strategy sets out three strategic goals in relation to: risk anticipation, risk surveillance and management, and risk awareness and communication. With 15 strategic objectives and 45 priority actions that are practical, forward looking and achievable.

Key features for nursery stock sector include:

targeted surveillance: DAFM has established contingency plans for 15 priority pests, including Xylella fastidiosa and the Asian Longhorn Beetle
enhanced laboratory capacity: increased investment in diagnostic facilities and the Plant Risk Analysis Unit ensures faster identification of threats at Border Control Points and within domestic nurseries; the labs are accredited to ISO 17025 standards
all-island cooperation: the strategy reinforces a “one island” approach, aligning with Northern Ireland’s authorities to maintain our high plant health status and facilitate seamless trade.

Find out more here.

Read more: DAFM launches plant health and biosecurity strategy

© 2026, Growtrade.ie by Patryk Goron

Read More: Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026-2030

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