Events

04 Jun 25

The Standards Committee working group moves forward with two key phytosanitary standards

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).
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02 Jun 25

Phytosanitary Showcase Display at CAMINEX 2025: Championing Plant Health and Trade Facilitation

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.
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02 Jun 25

THE 2025 FUMIGATION AND PEST CONTROL TRAINING

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.
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17 Oct 23

Major boost for global plant health community as Somalia joins the IPPC

Posted on Mon, 16 Oct 2023, 13:43 Rome, 11 October 2023. The Federal Republic of Somalia has joined the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) as its 185th contracting party. This signals a major boost to the IPPC community and global efforts to prevent pests and promote safe trade in plants and plant products, while fostering regional and international cooperation. Somalia’s accession to the IPPC is also a vote of confidence in the work of the IPPC community to promote stronger phytosanitary capacity. It is a show of solidarity in the complex global effort against pests, for improved food security, protection of environment and economic development. On 27 April 2023, the Eastern Africa nation deposited an instrument of adherence with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to join the IPPC. As such, the country commits to adhering to the international standards for phytosanitary measures set by the IPPC, which are measures by which countries design national requirements to protect plants from pests. This is expected to ease trade in agricultural products between Somalia and other countries. Somalia’s membership in the IPPC also means commitment to the IPPC national reporting obligations that all IPPC contracting parties recognize and adhere to. The countr‎y’s resolve to strengthen its plant protection system, prevent future pest outbreaks, protect its agricultural sector and biodiversity and facilitate trade in agricultural products, brought Somalia to this significant milestone. By joining the IPPC, which provides a framework for international cooperation on plant protection, Somalia is eager to collaborate on the world stage and to access international support and expertise to uplift plant health. Somalia is a predominantly agricultural country, and its economy is heavily dependent on exporting agricultural products. However, in recent years, the country has suffered deadly pest outbreaks which have caused significant economic losses. Since early 2020, Desert locust destroyed about 70 000 hectares of cropland in Somalia and neighboring Ethiopia, in the worst locust invasion the country has witnessed in 25 years. This seriously threatened food security, food supplies and livelihoods of farmers in both countries. Considered the most destructive migratory pest in the world, Desert Locust can consume the same amount of food in one day as 35 000 people. “Somalia’s membership in the IPPC is in the country’s best interests. It can help Somalia protect its agricultural sector and biodiversity, facilitate trade in agricultural products, and gain access to international support and expertise,” said Abdi Mohamed Hussein, Director of the Plant Protection and Research Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Federal Republic Somalia. “The IPPC Secretariat applauds the Federal Republic of Somalia on this important historic achievement and welcomes Somalia to the IPPC plant health community,” said Osama El-Lissy, IPPC Secretary. “Increased international travel, trade and climate change are complicating the global pest problem. Moreover, no single country can prevent entry, establishment or proliferation of pests on its own because countries have varying levels of development of phytosanitary capacity and infrastructure. International collaboration is thus essential and so Somalia’s decision to join the IPPC is timely and highly commended,” he added.
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French translation of IPPC Guide for Establishing and Maintaining Pest Free Areas now available

Posted on Wed, 12 Apr 2023, 07:31 The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat is pleased to the French of the guide which aims to support national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) that wish to establish and maintain pest free areas including pest free places of production and pest free production sites, as well as areas of low pest prevalence. Translation was supported by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in the framework of the project “FAO support to COMESA trade facilitation programme (GCP/INT/387/COM)”, as well as the Arabic translation published in 2022. You can download the guides here or click directly on your preferred version: Arabic, English or French.
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Two IPPC guides on emergency preparedness to support pest outbreak alert and response have been published

Posted on Tue, 11 Apr 2023, 15:13 The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat is pleased to share two new guides which work complementarily to address emergencies triggered by pest outbreaks and to consider the approach to the ISPMs, IPPC guides, training materials and other external pertinent resources. The newly published guides include: Emergency preparedness: A guide for developing contingency plans for outbreaks of quarantine pests. This guide defines generic and pest-specific emergency preparedness plans and supports national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) in developing contingency plans for outbreaks of regulated pests and organizing and allocating resources effectively; and Prevention, preparedness and response guidelines for Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) of banana. Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) of bananas is the biggest threat to worldwide banana production. The guidelines identify actions that NPPOs and relevant stakeholders may undertake before the incursion of TR4 of bananas into new territories. The guides were prepared with support from the Fusarium TR4 Team of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee. These documents were developed under the frame of the “FAO support to COMESA trade facilitation programme” (GCP/INT/387/COM) implemented by COMESA and funded by the European Union. Publication of the guides follows the priorities of the IPPC Implementation and Capacity Development Committee. You can download the guides here.  Related information: IPPC to support Venezuela in managing Tropical Race 4 presence that threatens banana plantation
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