Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that a major threat to tree health biosecurity comes from trade, particularly through the importation of containerised live plants and associated growing media. Nurseries can collectively play a key role in mitigating pests and diseases through attention to their daily practices (e.g., procuring plants, storage and management). More widespread adoption of best practices in the sector could be promoted through the introduction of a UK-wide accreditation scheme. However, the success of such a scheme would depend not only on its uptake by nurseries but also on the attitudes of key consumers in the plant supply chain. To date, the perspectives of the nursery sector on the feasibility of plant biosecurity, as well as the sensitivity of these sectors to consumer opinion, have remained under-researched. Using the COM-B [Capability, Opportunity, Motivation—Behaviour] model as a framework, we draw on qualitative results to assess the appetite for a hypothetical accreditation scheme amongst UK nurseries and the capability, opportunities and motivations to enhance their biosecurity practices. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with plant nurseries and 22 with their consumers. Overall a plant health accreditation scheme should have actions that are: (1) viable within the confines of the site and supply chain; (2) affordable where the benefits of changes/improvements outweigh the costs; (3) beneficial in that they promote biosecurity; (4) attractive to consumers looking to purchase products from accredited nurseries; (5) fair and inclusive where everyone has responsibility for biosecurity; (6) transparent with the scheme involving a strong monitoring and auditing component. This study provides important insights that will feed into the development of plant biosecurity-focussed accreditation or certification.

Communication on plant health risks:Social science research, audience segmentation, and communication strategy for an EU awareness‐raising campaign

“…This suggests an economic angle, which is in line with previous studies with horticulturalists (Marzano et al, 2017), potato and wheat growers (Ilbery et al, 2012), and plant nurseries (Marzano et al, 2021), which found that concerns about economic impact of biosecurity measures can hinder professionals' willingness to adopt them. Further, results from Marzano et al (2021) suggest that another barrier is a perception that their individual action may be ineffective or put them at a competitive disadvantage if collective implementation of biosecurity measures by sector operators does not take place.…”

Preparatory work in support of risk communication on plant health

“…With regards to gardeners, the authors reported that from the few evidence available "the main finding appeared to be high levels of relatively superficial knowledge" 68 . Marzano et al (2021), recently investigated nurseries' awareness while testing the appetite for a hypothetical accreditation scheme for UK plant nurseries. Through semi-structured interviews with nurseries (N=19) and consumers (N=22), the authors found increasing awareness about plant health among plant growers and traders, and consumers.…”

“…The studies explored awareness of plant health issues and risk perception in different stakeholder groups. Some studies focused on the general public (Fuller et al 2017;Eriksson et al 2018;Quin et al, 2020;Jepson et al 2017;Hilaire et al, 2022;Urquhart et al 2017) and multi-stakeholder groups (Marzano et al 2015;Marzano et al, 2016;Marzano et al 2017;Urquhart et al, 2019), others looked at the level of awareness in specific populations: plant-buyers (Dunn et al 2020); tourists (Melly and Hanrahan, 2020); nurseries (Marzano et al, 2021); air and see travellers (Pace et al, 2022); land managers (Marzano et al, 2020); and farmers (Ilbery et al, 2012;Makgoba et al, 2021;Mkenda et al, 2020;Kansiime et al, 2020).…”

“…Marzano et al (2015) reported while horticulturalists might accept the responsibility to disseminate information, they did not support the view that their economic opportunities should be limited in order to accommodate biosecurity measures. Also, Marzano et al (2021) highlighted that nurseries in the UK were concerned with the economic impact linked to the implementation of biosecurity measures. The authors found that nurseries did not have formal quarantining processes for suspicious plants, and the interviewees (N=19) questioned the cost-effectiveness of this measure as well as of reducing imports in favour of a local (UK) supply chain.…”

The amplification of plant disease risk through ecological restoration

“…Plant diseases can cause considerable ecological, economic, and social impacts (Freer-Smith & Webber 2017;Hill et al 2019;Mitchell et al 2022). The awareness of their potential impact is increasing in the horticulture and forestry sectors (Marzano et al 2021) but in habitats, outside of woodlands, plant diseases are rarely considered (Mitchell 2023). Plant diseases are defined here as the plant health consequences of biotic agents, that is, pests and pathogens, referred to as pests throughout.…”