Paul Mayaka

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA has welcomed members of the public to make use their premises in search for technology in fight against Fall Armyworm.  Speaking during the field day on fall armyworm control organised by Syngenta, in CHONGWE, IITA Southern Africa Director DAVID CHIKOYE says IITA is a public organisation that offers free international agricultural extension services.  And chief Agriculture Research Officer under the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute ZARI, Dr Patrick Chikotihascommended IITA and Syngenta for developing technologies which is help the small scale farmers against crop losses. IITA calls for the use of technology in the fight against fall armyworm – Ministry of Agriculture

Posted on Tue, 12 Apr 2022, 08:07 Rome, 12 April 2022. The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) has approved the transition of the International Plant Protection Convention’s (IPPC’s) Implementation Review and Support System (IRSS) to the IPPC Observatory, during the CPM-16 meeting that is taking place virtually on 5,7, 21 April 2022. The IPPC Observatory will be a sustainably funded system aimed at improving contracting parties’ implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and CPM recommendations. The IRSS was initially established to verify contracting parties’ compliance with the IPPC and to gauge uptake of the ISPMs. Adopted at the third CPM session in 2008, the IRSS was designed to identify gaps in implementation and address them through assistance and facilitation. The IRSS programme has been implemented by the IPPC Secretariate on a project cycle basis since 2011 and funded mainly by the European Commission. The current third cycle funding ends in May 2022. In October 2020, the IPPC Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) proposed options to move IRSS from a project-driven activity to a system integrated within the IPPC Secretariat. The proposal was for the IPPC Observatory to have multiple funding sources, a clearer purpose, a long-term vision, and work and communications plans that are not necessarily tied to a project life cycle. The move thus signals a name change and a new identity so that contracting parties can be better informed on how they can benefit and contribute to the work of the IPPC Observatory. The transition allows the IPPC Observatory to have a more focused scope. It will continue to monitor implementation, identify challenges, and best practices, and provide recommendations to the CPM to address implementation issues. The IPPC Observatory will, however, relinquish IRSS’s previous support function. With an allocated base funding from the IPPC Secretariat and with dedicated full-time staff, the IPPC Observatory will function better under the IPPC Secretariat while being guided by the IC Sub-group. A three-year work plan, a resource mobilization plan and a communications strategy adapted to target audiences will be in place to guide the IPPC Observatory’s work. “We are very pleased that the CPM has approved the IC’s recommendations for the IRSS to transition to the IPPC Observatory,” said Sarah Brunel, IPPC Implementation and Facilitation Unit Officer-in-Charge of daily matters. “Contracting parties can expect a more efficient and harmonized mechanism for monitoring the implementation of standards and CPM recommendations every 3-5 years. Through a streamlined process, contracting parties will also be able to submit new topics on which the IPPC Observatory can conduct in-depth studies. “Under the IPPC Observatory, survey designs will be improved and data collection will be streamlined. Results of surveys and studies, including best practices and key messages will be communicated in a timely manner so that contracting parties can use the information to develop or adjust their national phytosanitary plans. The results of surveys will thus be more readily available to help improve implementation of the Convention, its standards and CPM recommendations,” Sarah Brunel added. The IPPC Observatory will be guided by core principles including transparency, impartiality and independence, work plan-driven and based on set terms of reference, and espouse continuous improvement based on feedback. In addition, the IPPC Observatory will contribute to measure the achievements and realization of the objectives in the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020-2030 by collecting baseline data and through ongoing monitoring. The CPM Bureau further approved the proposal for the IPPC Secretariat to enable the effective operationalization of the IPPC Observatory and encouraged contracting parties to contribute to its funding. CPM approves transition of Implementation Review and Support System to the IPPC Observatory – International Plant Protection Convention

Posted on Fri, 08 Apr 2022, 15:59 Rome, 8 April 2022. The 16th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) adopted on Tuesday, 5 April 2022 five new phytosanitary treatments (Annexes to ISPM 28) to broaden the pest management options countries may use to mitigate the risk and support safe trade. The IPPC Strategic Framework refers to the development of commodity- and pathway-specific standards. One of its recommendations is to intensify activities relating to the adoption of new phytosanitary treatments. One way to cover more commodities for larger groups of pests is to develop more generic treatments that have a broader scope than treatments for singular pests. Phytosanitary treatments are developed by the Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatments (TPPT), a group of experts in treatment research who are delegated by their countries to review submitted treatment proposals and the associated research, striving to develop the best quality, scientifically sound phytosanitary treatments. The criteria for a new phytosanitary treatment is laid out in ISPM 28. The TPPT worked to develop a method that considers the efficacy of the treatment against the most tolerant species of a pest group to establish the efficacy of the treatment of the pest group. There are already adopted annexes to ISPM 28 for larger insect groups, and now the irradiation treatment for the Tortricidae genus (a family of moths) on fruits is the next step in this direction. As David Opatowski, the Standard Committee Steward of the TPPT remarked, “The broadened scope of the phytosanitary treatments is hoped to offer a wider selection of pest management options to contracting parties and thus facilitate market access and safe trade.” Countries are welcome and encouraged to propose new topics for phytosanitary treatments through an ongoing, open call. Submissions should include research supporting the efficacy of the treatment. The following new phytosanitary treatments were adopted by the CPM-16 (available here as CPM 2022/24_05, 06, 07, 08, 09). They will be posted soon on the adopted standards page: 1. PT 40 (Irradiation treatment for Tortricidae on fruits) (2017-011) as Annex 40 to ISPM 28 (Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests) 2. PT 41 (Cold treatment for Bactrocera zonata on Citrus sinensis) (2017-013) as Annex 41 to ISPM 28 (Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests) 3. PT 42 (Irradiation treatment for Zeugodacus tau or fruit fly) (2017-025) as Annex 42 to ISPM 28 (Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests) 4. PT 43 (Irradiation treatment for Sternochetus frigidus) (2017-036) as Annex 43 to ISPM 28 (Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests) 5. PT 44 (Vapour heat–modified atmosphere treatment for Cydia pomonella and Grapholita molesta on Malus pumila and Prunus persica) (2017-037 and 2017-038) as Annex 44 to ISPM 28 (Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests The CPM also agreed to the recommendation made by the Standards Committee to expedite the development of phytosanitary treatments. They adopted the adjusted Standard Setting Procedure that allows recommending phytosanitary treatments for adoption after only one consultation in cases where there are no significant issues raised, and no significant amendments to the text during the first consultation period. Relevant links Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatments (TPPT) https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/standards-setting/expert-drafting-groups/technical-panels/technical-panel-phytosanitary-treatments/ Phytosanitary treatments on-going call https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/standards-setting/calls-treatments/ Adopted Standards page: https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/standards-setting/ispms/Standards Committee recommendations to the CPM – Adjustments to the Standard Setting Process to facilitate the development of phytosanitary treatments https://www.ippc.int/en/publications/90672/

Posted on Fri, 08 Apr 2022, 15:35 Rome 7 April 2022 – The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat reported at the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) virtual meeting about the United Nations’s decision to observe the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) on 12 May each year. The CPM-16 welcomed the decision, which is one of the most significant legacies of the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH). This was in addition to the first ever International Plant Health Conference (IPHC) slated for 21-23 September 2022, in London. The original International Year of Plant Health 2020 plan included an International Plant Health Conference in Helsinki in November 2020. However, the conference was ultimately canceled because of the COVID pandemic. In July 2021, the IYPH International Steering Committee suggested the IPHC takes place during the week of 9-13 May 2022, in concurrence with the first ever International Day of Plant Health (IDPH). The government of Zambia, with a proposal from its national plant protection organization, championed the idea for IDPH on 12 May each year to be observed by the international community. The IPPC Secretariat is coordinating the first ever International Plant Health Conference, a hybrid event co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland……

Posted on Fri, 08 Apr 2022, 15:26 The International Plant Protection Convention’s Phyto Solution has exchanged over 2 million digital phytosanitary certificates or ePhytos from inception to date. On average, this translates to more than 100,000certificates exchanged each month. Moreover, as of 1 April 2022, 108 countries have registered in the ePhyto system, with sixty-five exchanging in full production and 40 using the web-based GeNS system. The update was provided by Craig Fedchock, IPPC Senior Advisor and ePhyto Programme Director at the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-16) virtual meeting second on 7 April 2022 and attended by more than 330 stakeholders and Contracting Parties. Craig added that a resource mobilization meeting would be held on 27 April 2022, and a webpage of Arabic language would be introduced soon. The IPPC ePhyto solution is a tool that transitions the conventional paper phytosanitary certificate information into a digital phytosanitary certificate or “ePhyto”. This electronic exchange between countries makes trade safer, easier, faster, cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Contracting parties can exchange ePhytos with any other country on the system using their own national systems or using the web-based GeNS system. The GeNS allows countries without their own system to produce, send and receive ePhytos through the HUB. The ePhyto HUB is the core of the system that facilitates the exchange of ePhytos between National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). Capacity building ramped up One of the reasons for the success of the ePhyto Solution is attributed to increased awareness and training of stakeholders along the ePhyto system value chain. The IPPC Secretariat conducted a series of workshops and webinars with representatives of the ePhyto Industry Advisory Group. Regional webinars were held for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the near East and North Africa, and the South African Region in cooperation with the FAO regional offices in Budapest, Cairo and Harare. Individual national events took place with the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China, the Dominican Republic, Cote D’Ivoire, Bahamas, and Costa Rica. Partnerships key to Success Led by the IPPC Secretariat’s ePhyto Team, the ePhyto revolution has been a success thanks to partnerships formed among governments, industry and international organizations working together to build and support an inexpensive, efficient and money-saving tool to facilitate trade for any IPPC Contracting Party wishing to do so. “The ePhyto solution is growing rapidly. We have strong partnerships with industry and a number of international organizations. The relationships we have formed are unique in the world in that we are all working seamlessly toward the goal of facilitating safe and efficient trade in plants and plant products”, says Mr. Fedchock. Partners include the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, a key collaboration in the implementation of the ePhyto Solution in developing and less-developed countries. The Alliance is engaged in ’s ePhyto projects have been earmarked in countries as diverse as Morocco, Nigeria, Madagascar, Jordan, Cameroon, and Fiji, among others. The Alliance is unique in that it brings together a coalition of both government and the private sector to introduce, implement and train in the use of the IPPC ePhyto solution becoming a virtual extension of the Secretariat and the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC). The combination of the Alliance, the IPPC Secretariat ePhyto Team and the IT providers, UNICC, has resulted in a partnership of very diverse entities working together seamlessly to provide a modern, improved trade environment for both producers and consumers of plants and plant products. For more information, please read https://www.ephytoexchange.org/landing/

Posted on Fri, 08 Apr 2022, 10:19 Rome, 8 April 2022. The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) adopted yesterday the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) number 46 on Commodity-Specific Standards. Commodity-specific standards are crucial in protecting plant-based agriculture, safeguarding the environment and natural resources against invasive pests and facilitating safe trade. They offer a strategic value in that they harmonize phytosanitary measures, optimize efficiency of resources and provide consistency to contracting parties. “The adoption of the overarching commodity standards not only reinforces the relevance of the IPPC to modern international trade policies and practices, but it is also a landmark step towards delivering one of the eight development agenda items of the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020–2030,” said Samuel Bishop, Standards Committee member for Europe and steward for the ISPM, and the Head of International Plant Health of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It is envisaged that the adoption of specific commodity standards, along with harmonized phytosanitary measures, will facilitate and accelerate trade negotiations and simplify safe trade in plant products by 2030, as outlined in the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Strategic Framework 2020-2030. This key result supports the achievement of relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including SDG 2 – End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, among others. The overarching standard ISPM 46 applies to commodities being moved through international trade. The standards are designed to support the development of phytosanitary import requirements where measures are technically justified to facilitate safe trade. Contracting parties should thus, consider available commodity standards when developing phytosanitary import requirements, including pest lists and options for phytosanitary measures. As the IPPC takes on a new direction by putting greater focus on commodity- or pathway-specific topics, it was recognized that the international phytosanitary community might view this as a challenge. The CPM had agreed on the principles around commodity standards and it highlighted the sovereign authority of contracting parties and that no additional obligations are imposed on importing countries by commodity standards, over and above the obligations already identified in the IPPC. Following the IPPC Standard Setting Procedure, comments were solicited from national and regional plant protection organizations on the draft standard through an open and transparent process. The IPPC Standards Committee reviewed the comments provided by the IPPC community thoroughly after which, the draft standard was presented for adoption at the CPM-16. The IPPC Secretariat also organized a webinar earlier this year to increase the understanding of the IPPC commodity standards and its key principles. “The overarching standards will pave the way for the IPPC to continue to add tremendous value to countries and communities as new global commodity standards simplify safe trade between countries,” said Joanne Wilson, Standards Committee member for Southwest Pacific region and assistant steward of the ISPM 46. She is also the Principal Adviser to the Animal and Plant Health Directorate of New Zealand. “I’m especially excited for developing countries who will be able to use commodity standards as a basis to start trading more quickly,” Joanne Wilson added. The newly adopted commodity standards, or ISPM 46, will be available soon on the IPPC International Phytosanitary Portal. Related information: Commodity standards, a webinar explains new directions in the IPPC work CPM-16 document with the adopted text of the ISPM 46

Posted on Thu, 07 Apr 2022, 09:03 Rome, 7 April 2022. The Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) presented today its key achievements at the sixteenth session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-16). In 2021, the IC held eight virtual meetings and continued its work on priority topics in the area of implementation and capacity development (ICD), particularly in advancing the development of IPPC guides and training materials. The IC also continued to coordinate the work of the IC Subgroups and IC Teams while providing guidance on implementing ICD projects. Global experts, participating in various working groups, developed three new IPPC guides in 2021. The new guides provide information on three key topics: pest status determination, surveillance and fall armyworm prevention. The pest status and surveillance guides were launched during a webinar in October 2021, attracting a total of 354 participants from 77 countries. Webinar participants highlighted the value and usability of these guides and confirmed that they planned to use these guides themselves or share them with colleagues following the webinar. Three new IPPC guides, on ISPM 15, e-commerce, and contingency planning are set to be published in 2022. In addition, four new e-learning courses are being developed on pest risk analysis, export certification, inspection, and surveillance. In 2021, three virtual meetings were held by the IC Sub-group on the Implementation Review and Support System (IRSS). It also conducted six studies that will be published in 2022, added e-Commerce in the IRSS list of topics, and conducted an analysis on the options to transition IRSS to a more sustainable system after project funding ends in May 2022. Following the end of its mandate in December 2021, the IC Sub-group on Sea Containers Task Force (SCTF) presented its final report and recommendations to the IC, which were then noted by the CPM in the recently held session. The CPM also noted the formation of a CPM Focus Group on Sea Containers and its Terms of Reference. The IC Team on National Reporting Organizations (NROs) organized six meetings to provide guidance on NROs and facilitate the implementation of the 2021 NROs work plan. The IPPC Secretariat provided direct assistance to IPPC contact points to reduce IT barriers, particularly in managing their information on the International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP), revising the architectural structure of the IPP to handle large numbers of users and data, and advising IPPC contact points on legal matters in managing their data on the IPP. Furthermore, an IPPC e-Commerce Guide is set to be published in 2022. A webpage on e-Commerce systems was launched in March 2021, linking all relevant ISPMs, CPM recommendations and IPPC guides and contributed resources in one place. The IC Team on e-Commerce continues to strengthen collaboration with the World Customs Organization, the Universal Postal Union and the International Seed Federation in relation to e-Commerce and phytosanitary risks associated with mail and courier pathways. A revised Framework for Standards and Implementation was also presented at the CPM. The revised framework aims to streamline the process in compiling and maintaining the framework, enhancing its usability and reducing cost. The CPM thanked the IC and noted that its contribution has been instrumental in making significant progress on issues related to implementation and capacity development. This has been possible through the support and guidance of the IC Sub-groups and IC Teams. “We have seen the results of the IC’s work that has resulted in improved implementation of the IPPC and international standards and in building the capacity of contracting parties through numerous projects, webinars and other activities,” said Dominique Pelletier, IC Chair. “We commend the IC members’ and the IPPC Secretariat, particularly the Implementation and Facilitation Unit’s dedication and thank them for their selfless contributions,” he concluded. Related information: Report Implementation and Capacity Development Committee, CPM-16 Sea Containers Task Force Proposed establishment and draft TOR CPM Focus Group on Sea Containers Implementation, Review and Support System – Options for transitioning to more sustainable system Summary of the NRO 2021 activities and 2022 work plan Framework for Standards and Implementation….. Tags: Committee Implementation