FAO Commission on Phytosanitary Measures Tackles Global Plant Health Issues

Key Highlights

• FAO's CPM addresses urgent global plant health threats.
• Climate change increased the spread of pests like TR4 fungus.
• International cooperation is crucial for effective pest management.
• Adoption of standards for pest-free areas and cold treatments.
• Support of Africa Phytosanitary Program for better pest control.
• ePhyto Solution streamlines safe trade with digital certification.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently brought together experts from around the world for the 18th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM). This gathering aimed to address the pressing challenges posed by plant pests and diseases to agriculture and ecosystems worldwide. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the serious consequences of unchecked outbreaks on ecosystems, trade, and food security in his opening speech.

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Climate Change's Role in Plant Pest Problems

One major topic discussed during the meeting was the impact of climate change on the spread and severity of plant pests and diseases. Shifts in weather patterns and rising temperatures worsen threats like the Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) fungus, which ruins banana crops. TR4's effects are felt by over 400 million farmers and rural households globally. This highlights the urgent need for countries to work together to detect and respond to such threats quickly.

Global Efforts to Combat Plant Pests

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), in collaboration with FAO, is leading efforts to tackle TR4 and other plant health challenges. These efforts include raising awareness, conducting practice drills, and creating guides for prevention and management. FAO's launch of the "Global Roadmap for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2)" emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management in ensuring food security sustainably.

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Strengthening Plant Health Systems

The CPM's agenda also includes discussions on integrating the IPPC into the One Health approach, which considers the interconnectedness of plant, animal, and human health. Participating countries are expected to adopt amendments to phytosanitary standards to better control pests and diseases, such as establishing criteria for pest-free areas and implementing cold treatments for pests like the false codling moth.

Additionally, the CPM is set to support the Africa Phytosanitary Program, which aims to support national governments and stakeholders in effectively managing plant pests. The IPPC's ePhyto Solution, a digital platform for phytosanitary certification, has facilitated safe trade by exchanging over 5 million certificates among 88 countries.

Call for International Cooperation

The discussions and initiatives at the CPM highlight the urgent need for countries to cooperate in safeguarding global agriculture and food security. With coordinated efforts, it is hoped that the world can better protect its plants and ensure a sustainable future for all.

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CMV360 Says

The FAO Commission on Phytosanitary Measures emphasizes the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing global plant health challenges. Through initiatives like the Africa Phytosanitary Program and the IPPC's ePhyto Solution, countries are working together to combat plant pests and diseases. With concerted efforts and shared knowledge, we can safeguard agriculture, ecosystems, and food security for future generations.