Plant health appears on National Risk Register
Earlier this month the government made public a document called the National Risk Register - an external version of a classified risk assessment called the National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA), used by government and local resilience forums to identify the most serious risks facing the UK. Two plant pests are now listed in this document.
The landscape industry is likely already familiar with the two pests listed in the document: Xylella fastidiosa and Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer beetle). The risk they pose to the nation is now sufficient to gain a place in the NRR, alongside threats such as terrorism, diplomatic risks and conflict.
The purpose of the NRR document is merely to outline the scenario which may arise from the pests entering Great Britain, together with response requirements and recovery. Rather like the other risks listed in the document, the recovery period if an outbreak of either of the pests were to occur, is lengthy, costly and disruptive.
From October 2023, a new approach for importing plants and plant materials into Great Britain will be introduced, which seeks to ensure the country is better protected from Xylella fastidiosa, Agrilus planipennis and many other pests and diseases which may be accidentally imported.
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