Date
Monday
May
12

May 12

International Day of Plant Health

Show your support for International Day of Plant Health by joining in on the conversation and helping to spread awareness about plant health!

Yearly Date
May 12
Type
Day
Category
Cause

Introduction

Celebrate International Day of Plant Health on May 12 and join the global effort to protect plants, crops, and trees from pests and diseases. This day was first created by the United Nations in 2020 to raise awareness about the importance of protecting plants for our future health and wellbeing. We all need plants to provide food, oxygen, and clean air; so let’s work together to make sure that our planet is healthy!

International Day of Plant Health Timeline

1800s
Early Plant Health Research
In the 1800s, scientists began identifying and researching plant diseases and pest control, laying the foundations for modern plant health science.
1951
International Plant Protection Convention
The United Nations created the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to secure coordinated, effective action to prevent and control pests of plants and plant products.
1975
First World Food Summit
The first World Food Summit underlines the importance of plant health in ensuring food security and sparks global efforts to safeguard plant health.
2000
Biotech Crops Introduced
Biotech crops are introduced, raising contentious debates about genetic modification but paving the way for strides in plant health and productivity.
2017
UN Emphasizes Plant Health
The United Nations stresses the importance of plant health in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger and climate action.
2020
First International Day of Plant Health
The United Nations introduces the International Day of Plant Health to raise awareness about the vital role of plants in sustaining life on Earth.

How to Celebrate International Day of Plant Health

1

Plant a tree

Plant a tree in your yard or in a nearby park, and watch it grow over time. Trees provide oxygen, reduce air pollution, and provide habitat for wildlife.

2

Start a vegetable garden

Growing your own vegetables is a great way to enjoy healthy, locally grown produce while also taking steps to protect plant health. Choose vegetables that are native to your area, and start planting!

3

Participate in a plant clean up

Organize or join a volunteer effort to help clean up local parks and green spaces on International Plant Health Day. This is a great way to help promote the health of plants in your community.

4

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn about plant health issues and how you can help protect plants from disease and pests. Read articles and books, watch documentaries, or even take a course.

5

Spread awareness

Share what you've learned with family and friends on social media or through word of mouth, and encourage them to take part in International Plant Health Day activities.

Why We Love International Day of Plant Health

A

Plants are an important part of our lives

We rely on plants for food, medicine, and many other things. They provide oxygen for us to breathe, shade from the sun, and protection against natural disasters such as droughts and floods. Plant health is essential if we want to continue to benefit from all the advantages they offer us.

B

Plant health affects biodiversity

When plants become unhealthy due to pests, diseases, or environmental factors, it can have a huge impact on ecosystems around the world. Biodiversity is important because if one species of plant disappears, other species also suffer. Healthy plants support local populations of animals and sustain our planet's unique flora.

C

Improving plant health helps reduce global hunger

Unhealthy or diseased plants produce fewer yields than healthy ones, which can cause a shortage of food in areas that are already suffering from malnutrition. By focusing on improving plant health through better pest control, irrigation systems, and more effective farming practices, we can help reduce famine and ensure more equitable access to nutritious foods.

International Day of Plant Health Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 11
Thursday
2024
May 11
Saturday
2025
May 11
Sunday
2026
May 11
Monday
2027
May 11
Tuesday