Plant Health
There are many plant pests and diseases which, if they were to become established in Scotland, could cause serious damage to our agricultural and horticultural crops. The Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) is responsible for plant health in Scotland and one of its primary objectives is the maintenance of Scotland's high plant health status. (Note: the control of pests of forest trees and wood is the responsibility of the Forestry Commission.) SGRPID's plant health responsibilities include, but are not restricted to, the adoption of EU legislation into national regulations governing official controls and restrictions on the import, movement and keeping of plants and also plant pests and other material ( e.g. soil). The following areas are also covered: pest and disease control including identification, containment and eradication of outbreaks by quarantine and other important plant pathogens and the phytosanitary certification of exports to third countries. All of these controls are vital to help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms.
For further information, advice and guidance on some of these issues please select from the menu on the left.