IPPC committee advances implementation support for phytosanitary standards

Strengthening global plant health systems and building capacity to implement plant health standards, once again, took center stage, as the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) held its second annual meeting, from 11-14 November in Bari, Southern Italy.

With the implementation of the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020-2030 at the midway point, the IC, discussed stepping up efforts to support International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) contracting parties in effectively implementing international standards for phytosanitary measures (ISPMs) and strengthening phytosanitary systems to prevent, respond to, control and recover from plant pest outbreaks. Key topics included supporting Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluations (PCEs), expanding phytosanitary learning through the IPPC Plant Health Campus, the upcoming Third IPPC general survey (2026), implementation of the IPPC ePhyto Solution and enhancing emerging pest monitoring and reporting through the Pest Outbreak Alert and Response System (POARS).

Phytosanitary learning and trade facilitation breakthroughs

Enrico Perotti, IPPC Secretary, commended the IC’s work, noting that “the work ahead is as ambitious as it is essential to protect both our environment and food security. The challenges we face—emerging pest threats, safe trade and the need for resilient phytosanitary systems—demand our continued innovation, collaboration and resolve”.

He highlighted the innovative IPPC Plant Health Campus. Currently available in English and French, a Spanish version of the online portal to free e-learning courses and other training material will be launched in 2026. Perotti urged IC members to encourage national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) to take the courses, all designed to enhance the day-to-day work of plant health professionals and plug phytosanitary knowledge gaps. The Campus currently has 15 000 registered learners, 15 e-learning courses and over 20 practical guides on various plant health and phytosanitary topics. In collaboration with the ePhyto Steering Group and the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) Focus Group on Sea Containers, future e-learning courses to ease the implementation of the IPPC ePhyto Solution and inspection of sea containers are planned. The courses aim to enhance awareness and adoption of the digital tool for improved plant trade and strengthened phytosanitary inspection. To date, 97 countries are actively exchanging ePhytos, with over 250 000 transactions monthly, a 30 percent increase from 2024. “This is not just a technical achievement; it’s a global economic enabler”, said Perotti.

Understanding phytosanitary measures' impact and social contexts

The IC explored the impact of its work on the ground through a visit to olive groves in Brindisi, organized in collaboration with the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute (CIHEAM) of Bari and the Apulian Plant Protection Service (APPS). They assessed damage caused by Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium that affects economically important crops such as olives, by clogging their vessels. In Europe, Xylella fastidiosa was first reported in Italy’s southern region, where it killed millions of centuries-old trees and threatened the olive oil industry. Members thus called for better pest outbreak preparedness and response, noting challenges in implementing phytosanitary measures, such as general public resistance to tree removal, which allowed pest spread. They also urged increased public awareness among key stakeholders to enhance acceptance of phytosanitary measures.

Ensuring effective implementation

Echoing the message of the IPPC Secretary, Dominic Pelletier, IC Chair, emphasized that the IPPC must shift from “surviving to thriving”. He highlighted a longstanding concern about inadequate funding for core IPPC implementation and capacity development activities, which affects the effective delivery of planned work. Pelletier also welcomed Nitesh Datt (Fiji), representing the Southwest Pacific region and Anna Maria D’Ongia (Italy), representing CIHEAM, who attended the IC meeting for the first time.

To strengthen implementation, the IC recommended that the CPM considers: establishing regular funded positions in the Implementation and Facilitation Unit, allocating more funds for priority activities such as development of guides and training materials; urging contracting parties to make more financial and in-kind contributions; promoting the IPPC Plant Health Campus and encouraging financial or in-kind support for translation and finally, allocating more time for discussion of implementation issues during IPPC Regional Workshops.