May 2025 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Julie Holmes, Plant Health Survey Biologist
Hi, I’m Julie Holmes, the Ontario Area Plant Health Survey Biologist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. My job sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and real-world action—and I’m lucky to say that no two days are ever the same.
What does your role as a plant health survey biologist at the CFIA involve?
My role is all about early detection and prevention. I am the national surveillance lead for several regulated plant pests like the Asian longhorn beetle and oak wilt, which means I develop surveillance protocols, support CFIA’s field operations, and provide technical guidance to staff and stakeholders across Ontario.
I also coordinate with our Operations Branch to implement the national surveillance work plan. That includes everything from identifying risk-based priorities for site selection—meaning the targeted inspection of specific locations like farms, nurseries, or forests where invasive species are likely to be found—to ensuring inspectors have the right tools and training to implement the work plan and detect invasive species effectively. During the busy season, I’m fielding pest reports, answering technical questions, and sometimes jumping into the field myself to assist with pest detections and delimitation work—meaning efforts to determine the geographic boundaries of an infestation once a pest has been found. It’s a mix of desk work, field work, and lots of collaboration.
What kind of training and outreach do you do, and why is it important?
Training and outreach are core parts of what I do. Each year, I organize training sessions for survey staff across Ontario, where we host a big workshop to review new survey techniques, get hands-on experience using different insect traps and survey tools, share lessons from the field, and foster that sense of team connection. We go over everything from trap placement to recognition of signs and symptoms—because when it comes to invasive pests, even the smallest clue can be important.
Outreach is equally critical. I work with municipalities, field technicians, and interest groups to raise awareness about invasive species. That might mean setting up an Asian longhorned beetle outreach site at a park, giving presentations, or sharing educational materials like pest ID cards and even bug tattoos for kids. The more people know what to look for, the more likely we are to catch a pest early—and early detection is everything.
Why is your work critical for protecting Canada’s environment and agriculture?
Invasive pests don’t just threaten individual trees—they can change entire ecosystems, devastate agriculture, and cost communities millions in damage and control efforts. By detecting pests early, we have a real chance of stopping them before they spread further.
Surveillance helps us understand where pests are, how they’re moving, and what kind of risk they pose. That information feeds into regulatory decisions, trade protections, and eradication efforts. Outside of preventing new pests from entering Canada, surveillance is a frontline defense for Canada’s forests, farms, and biodiversity.
How did you end up in this role, and what drew you to plant health?
I’ve always loved biology, especially insects. I studied Ecology at the University of Guelph, where I developed a real passion for entomology and invasive species. After graduating, I joined CFIA as an inspector and worked across different branches—including Operations, Policy and Programs, and Science.
Eventually, I found my way back into the Science Branch, where I now get to combine everything I love: fieldwork, science communication, and making a tangible difference in protecting Canada’s plant health. It’s a role that challenges me, teaches me, and lets me contribute to something that really matters.
Can you share one of the most memorable days you've had in the field?
One that really stands out is when we partnered with the City of London to create a tree pest simulation site in Springbank Park. We set up a mock Asian longhorned beetle infestation to train our staff and partners in a real-world setting. It was amazing to see people interacting with the trees, developing their search image using realistic signs and symptoms, and asking questions—it was like having a hands-on learning lab right in the middle of a public space.
That kind of collaboration and creativity really shows what we can do when we work together. Plus, it’s just fun to be in the field with a clipboard, a hand lens, and a great group of people who care about the same things.
What can Canadians do on International Day of Plant Health to help protect our landscapes?
Honestly, the best thing people can do is stay curious. Learn a bit about the invasive species that threaten your region—what they look like, what signs to watch for. If you’re traveling or camping, buy and burn local firewood. Clean your boots or bikes when moving between natural areas. And if you see something strange—a damaged tree, an odd-looking beetle—report it!
Public reports have helped us identify pest incursions before, and the earlier we know, the better our chances of controlling it. Everyone has a role to play.