2020: The International Year Of Plant Health

2020: The International Year of Plant Health

Various organizations, institutions and companies have joined forces to draw attention to the importance of plant health. With their knowledge, expertise and networks, they focus on the relationships of plants with harmful and useful organisms and their environment. They study how to detect, prevent and control plant diseases and pests. This year is a unique opportunity to raise global awareness about how plant protection can stop hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment and boost economic growth.

It is estimated that 40% of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases. Since plants are the source of the air we breathe and most of our food, that's something we should think about. Millions of people have no food due to poor plant health, which also seriously harms agriculture. This while agriculture is often the main source of income for poor rural communities.

Unfortunately, plant health is increasingly threatened. Climate change and human activities have changed ecosystems, which means that biodiversity is decreasing and plant pests are constantly arising. Protecting plants from these pests is much more effective than tackling emergencies when the diseases are already spread. Plant pests and diseases are almost impossible to eradicate once established and managing them is also time consuming and expensive. Prevention is therefore crucial to avoid the devastating effects of pests and diseases on agriculture, livelihoods and worldwide food insecurity.

We as Ferm O Feed contribute to this problem by offering Organic Fertilizers and Biostimulants. Our Organic Fertilizers ensure a healthy and fertile soil with a lot of biodiversity. Biodiversity is a key factor for soil fertility, in addition to nutrients and organic matter, which our Organic Fertilizers also provide. And as you probably know, a healthy soil contributes to a healthy crop. Our Biostimulant Amino+ is particularly developed to ensure strong and resilient crops, making them more resistant to diseases and pests.

You may wonder, ‘can I do something to prevent plant diseases?’ Naturally! At first pay attention when taking plants or plant products with you when you travel. These can carry diseases or pests, which you could spread to another place. Also pay attention with the purchase of fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers often have a high salt content, which is bad for biodiversity and thereby negatively affecting the plant. Because chemical fertilizers are easily soluble in water, nutrients could become available too quickly, which do not meet the needs of the plant. Organic Fertilizers contribute to a healthy soil and thereby to a healthy plant. Finally, immerse yourself in Biostimulants, which make plants more resistant to diseases and pests and other stressful moments.