Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example
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 prac...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-12-01
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| Series: | Forests |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/12/12/1741 |
| _version_ | 1797504587548065792 |
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| author | Mariella Marzano Michael Dunn Sarah Green |
| author_facet | Mariella Marzano Michael Dunn Sarah Green |
| author_sort | Mariella Marzano |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T04:06:41Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-cfbddc9efb4746198ac4eef6816142f0 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1999-4907 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T04:06:41Z |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Forests |
| spelling | doaj.art-cfbddc9efb4746198ac4eef6816142f02023-11-23T08:21:45ZengMDPI AGForests1999-49072021-12-011212174110.3390/f12121741Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK ExampleMariella Marzano0Michael Dunn1Sarah Green2Forest Research, Northern Research Station, Roslin EH25 9SY, UKForest Research, Northern Research Station, Roslin EH25 9SY, UKForest Research, Northern Research Station, Roslin EH25 9SY, UKIt 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.https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/12/12/1741plant healthbiosecurityaccreditationCOM-B frameworknurseries |
| spellingShingle | Mariella Marzano Michael Dunn Sarah Green Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example Forests plant health biosecurity accreditation COM-B framework nurseries |
| title | Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example |
| title_full | Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example |
| title_fullStr | Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example |
| title_full_unstemmed | Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example |
| title_short | Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example |
| title_sort | perceptions of biosecurity based accreditation in the plant trade a uk example |
| topic | plant health biosecurity accreditation COM-B framework nurseries |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/12/12/1741 |
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