SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 27, 2025 – Following the ban of some allegedly invasive plant species in Switzerland, there has also been media attention and scaremongering against the corresponding species in Germany, without the corresponding critical classification. In some cases, even plants that do not appear on the relevant European Union’s list of prohibited species were portrayed as invasive. This reporting has given certain plants a bad reputation among consumers, leading to declining sales and revenue losses for manufacturing businesses in Germany. To avert damage from companies and ensure their economic survival, the Industrieverband Garten (IVG) e.V. is promoting awareness and a more pragmatic handling of the topic.
The Spread of Invasive Alien Species Poses a Significant Threat to Biodiversity
The spread of invasive alien species poses a significant threat to biodiversity worldwide. For example, the giant hogweed can lead to health problems in humans. This is why the European Union has a list of invasive species that are subject to far-reaching prohibitions on possession and trade. "However, it cannot be that a complete species with all its varieties modified by breeding, which are used in the garden, is discredited and generally denigrated," says Philip Testroet, Deputy Managing Director at IVG. "A concrete example here is the cherry laurel, the sale of which was recently banned in Switzerland, but which is not even on the European Union's list."
It should be borne in mind that some of the species are of considerable importance for the survival of entire businesses, are popular garden plants or are sometimes very insect-friendly. "As long as a species is not listed on the Union list, there is no room for speculation about bans. Accordingly, in the case of a campaign such as the one currently being waged against the cherry laurel, the examination of claims for damages is also an issue," says Sebastian Heinje, Deputy Spokesman of the IVG specialist department Living Green.
IVG Calls for a More Nuanced Approach
The IVG also suggests taking a closer look at the diversity within each individual species. Thus, within potentially invasive species, there are numerous horticulturally used cultivated forms which, due to reduced growth, lower resistance in nature or sterility in favor of the flower form, have lost their potential to invade ecosystems. General prohibitions at the species level, which include all subspecies and varieties, are therefore too general and disproportionate. "In the future, we hope for a factual and ideology-free discussion that considers and weighs not only ecological but also economic sustainability," says Lothar Idelberger, spokesman for the IVG specialist department Living Green.
Explanation of Invasive Alien Plants
Invasive alien plants are plant species that are not originally native to a particular area but have been introduced there by human activities. Climate change also favors their spread. They displace native plants and can thereby cause ecological, economic and sometimes also health problems. The aim is to stop the spread of these problematic species and thus prevent ecological impacts.
About the IVG
The Industrieverband Garten (IVG) is an association of manufacturers of products for the "green industry" for the hobby and professional market - including plant manufacturers, producers of forestry, garden and lawn care equipment, manufacturers of garden lifestyle products, products for plant nutrition, health and care, manufacturers of substrates, soils and raw materials as well as manufacturers of products for commercial horticulture. The IVG currently unites around 150 member companies in the garden industry and has its core competencies in the areas of information, networking, public relations and representation of interests.
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