The Scottish Plant Health Strategy

1. Scope

This strategy sets out the Scottish Government ( SG)'s ^[1] approach to the protection of the health of plants (agricultural & horticultural crops, plants in parks and gardens, forestry and the natural environment) in Scotland.

The strategy focuses on risks associated with plant pests ^[2] and links with other work on the health of plants such as agronomy and soil health. It does not address animal health, land use or damage by vertebrate pests or other invasive species, which are covered by different national and European legislation.

The strategy covers the SG's role and how stakeholders (public bodies, industry, NGOs, academia, landowners and the general public) will work with government to protect the health of plants.

The SG is responsible for implementation of plant health requirements in Scotland. We work with the other parts of the UK Plant Health Service ^[3] to ensure a coordinated approach across the UK. The UK Plant Health Service works with international bodies, other European and EU Member States and the European Commission to agree plant health rules and coordinate their implementation.

The strategy focusses on Scottish plant health priorities and risks and has been developed using the framework provided in the Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain ^[4] (the GB strategy). Actions contained in the strategy are summarised in Appendix 1.

The strategy takes a risk-based approach and actions will be prioritised together with relevant time scales. The focus is both on current risks and preparing for longer term risks. It is based on available evidence and where evidence is not readily available it will be sought or commissioned.

Where reference is made to contingency planning, plant health plans will be consistent with the SG's approach to emergency planning and response ^[5] .

The strategy will be reviewed after five years. Some aspects are likely to be reviewed more frequently whereas others will need a long term approach.