September 2025 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Every year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Plant Health Surveillance team works tirelessly to protect Canada’s plant resources from the threat of invasive pests. Their efforts support not only the health of our forests and ecosystems, but also the viability of key economic sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and forestry.
One of the team’s most impactful efforts is its emphasis on community science programs— initiatives that invite Canadians to become active participants in pest surveillance. By engaging volunteers in monitoring activities, the CFIA can extend its reach, raise awareness, and enhance early detection of harmful pests.
Volunteers at work in British Columbia
A critical example of this work is the CFIA’s community science program for box tree moth. This program has helped define regulated areas and maintain the pest free status for British Columbia. Each year, Appleton and her team invite volunteers to take part in monitoring efforts. Volunteers set up pheromone traps on their properties to attract box tree moths if they are nearby. They receive clear instructions and support to install and maintain the traps. Volunteers also use a simple tool called Survey123 to report what they find. Their observations are sent to the CFIA, for follow-up on any new detections.
By helping the CFIA detect box tree moth early and respond quickly, volunteers play a direct role in preserving Canada’s market access and protecting a valuable industry, potentially supporting the movement of boxwood from British Columbia if we continue to provide evidence that it is free from box tree moth.
Educating and engaging the public
Surveillance goes beyond setting traps— the CFIA’s Plant Health Surveillance team also places a strong emphasis on education and outreach. This includes hosting public information sessions, like the recent event for gardeners that drew 80 attendees, and distributing monitoring kits for pests like the Hemlock woolly adelgid.
The team also supports broader Government of Canada community science initiatives, reaching Canadians of all ages. They have supported school-based campaigns in areas such as Essex County, Ontario, encouraging younger generations to explore plant health and pest monitoring through hands-on learning.
When communities reach out, the team responds. For example, the team is currently working with a high school in Bancroft, Ontario to support invasive species education by establishing an educational simulation site focused on Asian long-horned beetle near the school. These responsive, local efforts are crucial in building awareness and understanding of how pest introductions can affect both ecosystems and economies.
In addition to engaging the public, the team also works with post-secondary institutions to bring pest surveillance education to university and college-level students. By serving as expert speakers, they highlight the role that early detection and monitoring play in preventing pest outbreaks and protecting both local environments and economic livelihoods.
A year-round commitment
The work of the Plant Health Surveillance team spans the entire year. From early-season trap distribution to summer monitoring and ongoing educational programming, the team is always on the move— collecting data, empowering citizens and partners, and supporting plant health across the country. The team is always considering ways to adopt innovative strategies that will help CFIA expand its surveillance capacity— whether it is sniffer dogs, UAVs or new trapping methods, the team is always open to trial new approaches that may help support the work of the CFIA.
Through their outreach programs, the CFIA is showing how science and public engagement can go hand in hand to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s maintaining Canada’s trade relationships or keeping local gardens safe from invasive pests, the Plant Health Surveillance team is leading the way in protecting what grows.