There are too few plant health academics and UK courses to train them, a group of MPs has warned.
An inquiry triggered by the outbreak of ash dieback disease has ruled that the UK Government needs to act “with urgency” to address the skills gap facing the sector.
It has also called for ring-fenced funding to underpin long-term research and development work.
Launching a report on tree health and plant biosecurity, the chairwoman of the environment, food and rural affairs committee, Anne McIntosh, said efforts to fight the issue needed to be stepped up.
“The UK needs its own solid core of dedicated, well-trained experts in this area and the government must act with urgency to address the skills gap that we currently face,” she said.
“The government’s efforts so far to combat plant disease are to be welcomed, but we must strengthen our own capability to predict, monitor, control and mitigate the impact of pests and diseases on plants here in the UK.”
The committee warns that the recent outbreak of ash dieback disease exposed some lack of definition of the roles and responsibilities of plant health authorities in the UK.
“The chief plant health officer should address this shortcoming as a top priority,” said Miss McIntosh.
“Co-ordination and communication between the multiple plant health organisations, both within the UK and across the EU, is key. We must take advantage of lessons learned on the Continent and take early action at home to combat the risks posed by diseases and pests.”
MPs also called for ring-fenced funding to underpin long-term research and development work that focuses on preparation for future plant health threats.
Commenting on this, Miss McIntosh said: “Disease risks to plants in the UK are rising significantly, but funding for research in this area has not kept pace.
“One of Defra’s new priorities is to safeguard plant health. Long-term funding must reflect this accordingly.”