The 12 days of plant protection

By David Bailey, Executive Director, Plant Health and Biosecurity Directorate, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

The holiday season is one of my favourite times of the year. I enjoy seeing the colourful seasonal lights that brighten a rather dull period of the year, which in turn, I believe brings happiness to many and the opportunity to pause and spend time with friends, family and colleagues. It also signals the beginning of a new year and all the hopes and dreams that we may have for the upcoming year.

Like me, many look forward to the holiday season. Unfortunately, this includes opportunistic invasive species.

Because of some of our habits, travels and activities during this period, invasive species and other plant pests may find ways to enter and move around Canada to the detriment of our natural resources and environment.

Plant protection is an important aspect of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) mandate. Here are my 12 days of plant protection, which include things to watch out for and be mindful of during the holiday season.

Purchase wisely

• 1. When purchasing gifts online, as I often do, make sure the products do not present a risk to plant health and are allowed in Canada. Do not assume that they are!
• 2. Christmas trees present a way for certain plant pests, including the spongy moth, from spreading in Canada. Try to obtain yours from a local source.
• 3. Firewood is also a potential culprit for spreading plant pests. While many of us enjoy a nice fire during the holidays, remember to avoid moving firewood. Instead, buy local, burn local.
• 4. Invasive plants come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including as seeds. If you plan on offering seed packages as a stocking stuffer, choose wisely and avoid giving a gift that spreads undesirably!
• 5. If purchasing a pet snail over the holidays, be mindful that some are plant pests and are subject to plant protection requirements.

Travel smart

If you plan to travel during the holiday season, here are some things to think about:

• 6. Your vehicle could be carrying unwanted passengers unbeknownst to you. Check for the spongy moth before moving between certain areas in Canada.
• 7. If leaving Newfoundland and Labrador, avoid spreading soil-borne pests by not carrying certain items such as potatoes, soil or root vegetables.
• 8. If traveling to the United States, make sure to check the outside of your vehicle before making the return trip because it could be carrying the unwanted spotted lanternfly into Canada.
• 9. When coming back to Canada, be sure to declare regulated plant commodities to the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Learn more about plant pests

And here are more tips to consider year-round:

• 10. Be familiar with the plant pests of concern where you live. Many resources are available on the CFIA website, including a series of plant pest cards to help you recognize common pests.
• 11. Know the areas regulated for plant pests where you live and travel and what movement prohibition and restrictions are in place in Canada.
• 12. And finally, if you should find a plant pest where it is not supposed to be, report it!

Each of us can take action to help prevent plant pests from dampening our collective cheer over the season.

Happy holidays!