New standards adopted and key standards revised during the sixth session of the CPM; focus group to work on improving the standards setting process

Posted on Tue, 29 Mar 2011, 08:10

Opening speeches at CPM-6

In addition to adopting four strategic objectives for 2012-2019, the Commission also adopted new International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and identified the need to improve the standards setting process.

Early in the meeting, the CPM …

Scientific session at CPM-6 to examine approaches for addressing pest risks associated with grains and wood

Posted on Mon, 07 Mar 2011, 08:10

GrainsEach year, the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures holds a scientific session to consider emerging issues, such as new technologies or new pest threats. Past scientific sessions have addressed issues such as the potential impact of climate change on pest spread, …

Forum raises awareness about the IPPC and other priority work of the FAO

Posted on Thu, 03 Mar 2011, 08:10

Yukio Yokoi speaking to Forum on Impact Focus AreasOn 1 March 2011, an informal meeting was held at FAO Headquarters in Rome to raise awareness of the FAO s Impact Focus Areas (IFAs). FAO members have recognized the IFAs - …

EU continues to provide support to developing country participation

Posted on Fri, 04 Feb 2011, 08:10

CPM participantsThe International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), hosted by FAO, aims to facilitate trade in agricultural products while preventing the spread of pests. Exporters, such as those of vegetables and fruits in developing countries, depend on international rules such as …

EU increases funding to support the implementation of the IPPC

Posted on Wed, 02 Feb 2011, 08:10

The European Union (EU) has contributed Euro 400,000 to the IPPC Secretariat to support the development of the Implementation Review and Support System of the IPPC. The donation, from the EU Directorate General for Trade, will finance the Implementation Review …

Support from the Norwegian government helps ensure that evening sessions can be held at CPM-6

Posted on Tue, 01 Feb 2011, 08:10

Evening session during CPM-5. Photo by Stephanie Dubon.During each session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, much of the in-depth discussions necessary to carry out the mission of the IPPC and move the CPM work programme forward take place outside …

Update regarding the IPPC financial situation

Posted on Tue, 25 Jan 2011, 08:10

Bureau discussionsOn 12th October, Mohammad Katbeh Bader, the CPM Chairperson, wrote to all IPPC Contact Points to explain the critical financial position for the IPPC and the work programme in 2011. On behalf of the Bureau, he urged IPPC Member …

Chinese NPPO holds workshop on information exchange

Posted on Fri, 03 Dec 2010, 08:10

Group discussionsA workshop to train NPPO officers on the use of the International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP) was held successfully in Beijing, China from 26-28 October 2010. The workshop was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture of China and jointly hosted …

Expert working group maintains momentum for phytosanitary capacity development

Posted on Fri, 12 Nov 2010, 08:10

Group phot of the EWG As agreed at the 5th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, an expert working group (EWG) was convened 25 - 29 October at FAO Headquarters in Rome to review and refine the phytosanitary capacity …

Regional workshops on draft ISPMs support participation in the standards setting process

Posted on Mon, 08 Nov 2010, 08:10

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) are recognized as the basis for implementing phytosanitary measures applied by Members of the World Trade Organization under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement). ISPMs are developed …

WTO Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures turns spotlight on major new standards under development and the IPPC budget deficit

Posted on Thu, 04 Nov 2010, 08:10

Magic numberDuring the 20 - 21 October meeting of the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Committee) at WTO headquarters in Geneva, attention was drawn to a new phytosanitary standards under development that could have a major impact on …

Southern African countries improve the flow of information to support plant protection and trade

Posted on Mon, 18 Oct 2010, 08:10

Group discussionsDuring the SADC Plant Protection Committee Meeting of 2009 and also at the 5th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-5) held in Rome in March 2010, the SADC Secretariat was requested by its member states to convene …

IPPC strategizing for the next 10 years

Posted on Fri, 15 Oct 2010, 08:10

SPTA discussionsPlant pests threaten agriculture and rural communities, food security, plant biodiversity and natural habitats and ecosystems around the world. New pests are constantly being identified and known pests are becoming more important because of trade and climate change, so …

IPPC faces critical financial situation in 2011

Posted on Fri, 15 Oct 2010, 08:10

The IPPC is currently facing a budget crisis. The 2011 budget estimates (USD) required to operate a similar work programme to that in 2010, are $4,947,000. The funds available at the moment for 2011 are $3,701,000, meaning the anticipated shortfall …