BLOG: Why we need strong biosecurity systems to transform agrifood systems

By Enrico Perotti, IPPC Secretary

Food – the one thing that binds us all. Our source of nutrition and livelihoods, a mark of our cultural identity and a way in which familial bonds are forged.

But for millions of people, access to healthy diets remains a struggle for multiple reasons including the declining quality and quantity of crops due to pest damage and climate change impacts. Last week, the FAO-led World Food Forum in Rome highlighted the risks and challenges to food production, as well as the opportunities for transforming how we produce and consume food.

At the week-long event, we heard from distinguished guests, heads of nations, royalties and academics about the pressing problem of world hunger.

One of the questions posed during the form was, “What does ‘better production’ mean, as one of FAO’s goals in transforming agrifood systems?” It means we grow food sustainably, focusing on how we grow and on how much. From the IPPC’s perspective, better food production is preventing pest damage on the quality and quantity of crops by applying plant health standards, both in their cultivation and trade. It means that we ensure that plants and plant products do not carry pests and diseases that could spread to another area or country.

In this space, we see the importance of biosecurity in the food value chain. In farms, orchards, plantations and nurseries, we put guardrails to prevent pests from destroying crops. Many agricultural crops including staples like rice, maize, potatoes, wheat and fruit are exported around the world to meet global demand. We protect them from pests as they are moved across international borders by applying International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). An example is ISPM 46, Commodity-specific standards for phytosanitary measures in the movement of fresh mango, a globally traded and economically important crop that is worth billions.

In addition, we ensure that national plant protection organizations have the know-how to implement plant health standards and are continuously building their competence to effectively apply the provisions in the International Plant Protection Convention, the only global treaty established to protect plant health.

We practice integrated pest management techniques such as crop rotation, plant pest-resistant varieties, use biological controls, erect physical barriers or use pesticides, among other practices. We employ the latest digital technology to aid in early warning and response to halt pest outbreaks that could, almost assuredly, wipe out an entire season’s harvest. We’ve seen this happen, for instance, in the devastation brought by the desert locust outbreak in 2019-2021 where up to USD eight billion worth of crops were lost that could have provided food for a multitude of people in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Fall Armyworm has caused up to USD six billion worth of losses of major crops like maize, rice and sorghum in Africa alone. And let’s not forget that the Banana Fusarium Wilt disease remains a threat to the USD 25 billion global banana industry.

Biosecurity is a cornerstone in the food value chain. It protects agricultural productivity by ensuring stable food production and reduces economic losses. By controlling contamination risks at every stage – production, processing, transport and retail – biosecurity safeguards consumers from foodborne illnesses.

Moreover, having strong biosecurity systems enables countries to meet international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards which help promote safe international trade and access to markets. They are critical for early detection and rapid response to emerging pest threats and invasive species. Finally, integrated biosecurity systems strengthen food systems resilience by enabling countries to recover quickly from shocks such as pandemics, climate-related disasters or disruptions in the food supply chain.

When we put plant health higher up in the agenda of governments and organizations, we protect the farmers and the systems that produce our food. We protect livelihoods and industries. We protect biodiversity. We protect our food sources. Protecting plant health is IPPC’s contribution to transforming agrifood systems through better production, better nutrition, better environment – and a better life for all.