The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its Plant Health Newsletter on Horizon Scanning for May 2026, a monthly digest that monitors and reports on emerging plant pest threats to the European Union. The newsletter, released on 23 June 2026, compiles scientific literature and surveillance data to identify potential risks to crop and forest health, supporting early warning and preparedness measures.
The May 2026 edition, part of EFSA's ongoing horizon scanning service, covers new findings on pests such as Xylella fastidiosa, the citrus greening disease, and the fall armyworm, among others. It draws on open-source intelligence and expert networks to flag species that could enter or spread within the EU. The newsletter is produced under EFSA's mandate to provide independent scientific advice on plant health, as outlined in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against plant pests.
This publication continues EFSA's monthly series, with previous editions covering February and April 2026. The horizon scanning activity is coordinated by EFSA's Plant Health team in Parma, Italy, and is part of the broader EU plant health regime that includes surveillance, contingency planning, and import controls. The newsletter is aimed at national plant protection organizations, researchers, and policymakers, helping them prioritize inspections and risk assessments.
EU farmers and foresters benefit from early warnings that can reduce crop losses and treatment costs, while national plant health authorities gain actionable intelligence for surveillance. Importers of plant commodities may face increased scrutiny if new pests are flagged, potentially disrupting trade flows. The newsletter itself imposes no direct regulatory burden but informs decisions that could lead to stricter phytosanitary measures.
EFSA will continue the monthly horizon scanning cycle, with the June 2026 edition expected in July. The European Commission may use the findings to update emergency measures or request additional risk assessments from EFSA.