They monitor the territory, check the presence of quarantine organisms and organise the fight against them in case an outbreak is detected. They must be contacted when suspect symptoms are observed. Additionally, they advise plant protection matters and especially in the use of registered pesticides. They provide special authorisations concerning ÖLN/PER.

The Federal Office of Agriculture compiles an address list of the phytosanitary services of all cantons.

Some cantons offer their own Internet page about plant protection.