s the local and regional food systems they depend on are strained by increasingly variable and unpredictable weather. The challenges unearthed in this report could better position decision makers to direct resources for solutions to improve smallholder resilience- a fundamental goal which underpins global food and nutrition security for the majority of the world’s growing population.
Blog post by Roger Day, Deputy Regional Director (Development), CABI Africa.
As delegates gathered for the opening of the 10th session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) at FAO in Rome, it was clear from the greetings and smiles, not to mention hugs and kisses, that many of them know each other well already. That’s probably a good thing. The International Plant Protection Convention aims to secure “common and effective action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products”, and good collaboration is based on mutual trust and understanding. Continue reading →
The 10th session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures is fast approaching (16 to 20 March), and papers related to many of the items that will be under discussion have been made available on the website of the International Plant Protection Convention: https://www.ippc.int/core-activities/governance/cpm.
For example, the draft International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures that will be presented to the CPM for adoption are now available. These draft standards cover topics such as the determination of fruit fly host status, phytosanitary treatments for a range of important quarantine pests such as mealybugs and fruit flies, and the international movement of growing media. Once adopted, these standards will be valuable new additions to the toolkits of those working in plant health. Following on deliberations from past CPMs, a recommendation to help address the risk of pests that can be moved with sea containers will also be under consideration.
The suggestion to make 2020 the International Year of Plant Health was an exciting idea that generated a lot of enthusiasm during last year’s CPM. This year’s CPM is being presented a concrete proposal which outlines the steps needed to make the International Year of Plant Health a reality.
This video from the Food Chain Crisis Management Framework of FAO shows how investing in prevention of pests and diseases before they are present in a region can save money and livelihoods in the long term. Continue reading →