Protect what grows — learn about the connection between human, animal and plant health this International Day of Plant Health

How important are plants really? More than you might think.

Healthy plants are fundamental for the existence and well-being of both humans and animals. They also stabilize the environment and maintain the balance of ecosystems, while fostering economic growth. On May 12, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) encourages Canadians to mark the International Day of Plant Health by learning more about the role and risks to plant health. This year’s theme, ‘The importance of plant health in One Health,’ highlights the connections between human, animal, and plant health and emphasizes how they are all part of a single, integrated system.

Plant pests pose significant risks to this balance. They attack Canada’s crops, forests, the environment and other natural resources. Invasive insects and plants, plant diseases, snails, and other organisms can disrupt ecosystems and damage critical economic activities such as food production, horticulture, and forestry. These pests often spread through cargo transport, human activities such as moving firewood, and extreme weather events that can carry them over great distances.