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Rome, 21 May 2025. The Standards Committee working group (SC-7) of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) concluded its four-day meeting this week at FAO HQ, advancing two important draft International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to the next stage of development, representing a significant step forward in global efforts to protect plant health and facilitate safe trade. The draft annex to ISPM 23 on field inspection aims to strengthen the capacity of National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) to clarify the objectives and requirements of field inspections, a foundational procedure to verify conformity with phytosanitary import requirements. “This annex provides practical, technical guidance to support NPPOs in conducting field inspections,” said Masahiro Sai, steward of the draft. “It will enhance transparency and consistency in the implementation of field inspections.” The draft revision of ISPM 26 focusses on the establishment and maintenance of pest free areas for fruit flies (Tephritidae). Fruit flies pose a major threat to global fruit production and trade. The revised standard incorporates the latest scientific research and IPPC contracting parties’ feedback to improve its clarity and applicability. “Maintaining pest free areas for fruit flies is critical for market access,” said Joanne Wilson, the steward for this draft ISPM. “The changes reflect lessons learned from implementation and aim to make the standard more accessible and effective for NPPOs around the world.” While progress was made on two draft standards, the SC-7 agreed to pause further advancement of the draft annex to ISPM 38, on the design and use of systems approaches for the phytosanitary certification of seeds, pending discussion at the Standards Committee meeting in November. The two approved drafts will now undergo a second round of consultation, during which IPPC contracting parties will have the opportunity to provide feedback. The draft standards will be made available on the IPPC website on 1st July 2025 (link).

Kitwe, Zambia – May 30, 2025 The Copperbelt Agricultural, Mining, and Industrial Networking Expo (CAMINEX) 2025, held from May 27 to 28 at the Kitwe Showgrounds, saw a strong presence of plant health and biosecurity stakeholders through a well-curated Phytosanitary Showcase Display. The exhibit, organized under the theme “Safeguarding Plant Health to Facilitate Trade and Ensure Food Security”, drew significant attention from farmers, agribusiness players, policy makers, and the general public. The showcase was spearheaded by the Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (PQPS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with regional and international partners. Its main goal was to raise awareness about phytosanitary measures—critical protocols aimed at preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases, especially in the context of increasing global trade and climate change. Promoting Safe Trade and Sustainable Agriculture The display highlighted Zambia’s commitment to implementing international phytosanitary standards under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals. Through a series of interactive sessions, models, and visual presentations, the public learned how effective plant health systems support market access, reduce crop losses, and contribute to national food security. Live demonstrations included: Engagement and Outreach Visitors had the opportunity to interact with plant health inspectors and scientists, gaining first-hand insight into the tools and technologies used in pest detection, risk assessment, and response protocols. Educational brochures and posters were distributed to raise awareness among smallholder farmers and agro-dealers about their role in upholding phytosanitary compliance. Several school groups and young farmers attended the display, sparking discussions on careers in agricultural biosecurity and plant protection. A Platform for Collaboration The showcase also served as a platform for regional cooperation. Representatives from SADC countries, development agencies, and research institutions exchanged ideas on harmonizing phytosanitary regulations, digitizing certification systems, and strengthening pest early warning networks. Stakeholders reaffirmed the need for continued investment in phytosanitary infrastructure, capacity building, and public-private partnerships to tackle transboundary plant pests such as Fall Armyworm and Tuta absoluta. Looking Ahead The success of the Phytosanitary Showcase at CAMINEX 2025 underscored the growing recognition of plant health as a pillar of sustainable development and trade competitiveness. As Zambia continues to expand its agricultural exports, ensuring robust and science-based phytosanitary systems will remain key to meeting international market requirements while protecting its biodiversity and food systems.

The 2025 Fumigation and Pest Control Training was successfully held from the 19th to the 25th of May, 2025. The week-long event brought together pest control professionals, environmental health officers, and industry stakeholders for a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge required for effective pest management and fumigation practices. Organized by [Insert Organizing Body or Institution], the training focused on modern techniques, safety protocols, and the responsible use of pesticides in line with global best practices. Key topics covered included integrated pest management (IPM), environmental safety, equipment handling, and compliance with regulatory standards. Participants benefited from a mix of theoretical sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and field exercises facilitated by seasoned experts in the field. Special emphasis was placed on sustainable pest control strategies that minimize harm to humans, animals, and the environment. The training concluded with the issuance of certificates to all participants, recognizing their commitment to professional development and excellence in pest control operations. Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of the program in promoting industry standards and improving service delivery across the sector. The 2025 edition marks another step forward in strengthening pest control practices in the region, with calls for continued collaboration, innovation, and training in the years ahead.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) through the department of Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (PQPS), is implementing a project aimed at strengthening safe trade of plants and plant products in Zambia. This is a two (2) year (October, 2022 to September, 2024) project funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) under the Technical Cooperation Program (TCP).  The project will address a number of areas which include: finalization of the draft Plant Health Bill; procurement of pest diagnostic tools and office equipment; procurement of motor bikes; renovation and partitioning of PQPS offices; training of Plant Health Inspectors and stakeholders on various phytosanitary aspects including the ePhyto solution to mention a few.

Photo Credit: © FAO/Olivier Asselin Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2022, 14:23 Rome 13 June 2022. All food and other humanitarian donations are more than welcome, especially in emergencies and to vulnerable people. Saving lives is the utmost importance for all. However, it is known that disasters impact in agriculture threatens all three pillars of sustainable development: social, environmental, and economic. Countries have faced challenges to manage pest risk effectively during an emergency, for example, receiving aid from other countries when natural disasters happen. It has been recognized that the provision of aid supplies could bring pests, which causes long-term impacts on the economy, environment and communities. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) adopted a global recommendation to tackle pests in food aid to strengthen long-term food security; to combat humanitarian crisis and to further support the objectives of the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020-2030. The IPPC and its Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) agreed to establish a Focus Group on Safe Provision of Food and Other Humanitarian Aid. The main objectives are to ensure international co-operation to prevent the global spread of plant pests and propose solutions for development of a global standard and other supplementary tools, outlining the key principles, requirements and other aspects that it should contain. A call for experts is open and the deadline is 24 June 2022. More information is available here. The members of this new Focus Group should have experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: -Procurement and the supply of humanitarian aid (aid agency and government) -Plant health policy and risk management regulation -Plant health emergency response/management -Clearance of imported goods under emergency or disaster constraints The Focus Group will meet for the first time on 20-21 July 2022 (12:00-14:00, Rome time) in virtual mode. All NPPOs and RPPOs are strongly encouraged to nominate experts on this critical and important topic. Make a difference and be part of this! For further information, 02735163 please contact: ippp@fao.org See also the CPM Focus Group webpage: https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/governance/cpm/cpm-focus-group-reports/cpm-focus-group-on-safe-provision-of-food-and-other-humanitarian-aid/