Q&A with Mr. Gregory Wolff, CPM Chairperson (2023-2025)

The current Chair of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) reached out to the International Plant Protection (IPPC) Secretariat and shared his thoughts as outgoing Chairperson, his views on main CPM achievements, addressing challenges and passing on the baton to the next CPM Chairperson.

In your view, what notable achievements has the CPM made in the past two years during which you have chaired the CPM and its Bureau?

Greg: Prior to taking on the role of chairperson, I had worked with the CPM Bureau to increase our focus on implementation of the IPPC’s Strategic Framework 2020-2030 by including it as a core part of the agendas for the Strategic Planning Group and the CPM. Implementation of the Framework is vital for the IPPC but is challenging in a dynamic operating environment. This focus has been useful both in terms of supporting implementation of the Framework and, now that we are at the mid-point in its 2020-30 timeframe, preparing for developing the next strategic plan.

The adoption at last year’s CPM of the Recommendation on Sea Containers represents more than a decade’s worth of work by all involved. Reflecting the complexity, the broad scope of sea container logistics, and the importance of efficient logistics to supply chains and the global economy, we have partnered with industry associations on this work and benefitted immensely from their advice, support, input and innovativeness. However, although the adoption of the Recommendation is a significant outcome in providing harmonized guidance, there is still much work to be done, and so the Focus Group, which is comprised of government and industry members, continues to consider options for long term guidance.

The progress made on commodity standards has advanced to the stage where we now have our first draft commodity standard – on mango fruit – being presented to this year’s CPM meeting. This is a major achievement. It also in itself marks a key step in implementation of the Strategic Framework. This is the result of the sustained and effective efforts of a large number of members of the IPPC community over several years. There are several other commodity standards under development and proposals for new commodities for which theses standards could be developed.

As chairperson of the CPM, have you had a key theme or guiding principle that you have wanted to advance?

Greg: I should stress that my overall guiding principle has been to understand and to be responsive to the needs and concerns of contracting parties from all regions. Essentially, by doing so, the chairperson is facilitating the purpose and responsibility of the convention.

In support of the IPPC’s mission, and in working closely in conjunction with the former Secretary of the IPPC, Dr. Osama El-Lissy, my key theme has been to raise the profile of plant health within the One Health Framework. At last year’s CPM we confirmed support for proactive engagement with One Health leads and immediately took actions, including providing a keynote speech and holding a dedicated plant health session at the 8th World One Health Congress in South Africa. IPPC Secretariat leads have also led work to integrate the IPPC’s work more closely into the FAO’s One Health work and to provide sessions at FAO and related meetings. We are building momentum that continues this year, notably with a keynote speech at the CPM anticipated from Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), with the theme for the International Day of Plant Health to be oriented around the contribution of plant health to One Health, and arranging a science session on One Health during CPM with presenters invited from other organizations involved in One Health, including the FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, WOAH, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The CPM’s newly established Focus Group on One Health will also be fully active this year, working on its tasks that include considering the potential development of formal IPPC Recommendations relating to One Health.

In your view, what surprises or challenges has the CPM encountered over the past two years and how have these been addressed?

Greg: It seems that there are always unexpected challenges and emerging, complex crises being presented to us. Our recent and current period is no different and the IPPC community is faced with ongoing plant health crises directly related to IPPC work, for example from fusarium (TR-4) wilt of bananas which is causing hunger and migration, as well as the range of broader global issues that are impacting the work of all governments. The direct effects of these differ in each region and so the diversity of viewpoints, concerns and needs raised at the CPM are often very complex in nature. However, what is also clearly evident is that the diversity of the participants to the CPM and also all members of the various IPPC bodies also provides a depth of resourcefulness resulting in a wealth of ideas on potential solutions for any challenges. This, coupled with a clear focus on advancing the mission of the IPPC and a willingness to work collaboratively that are the hallmarks of CPM meetings, allows us to respond to challenging situations and position the work of the IPPC to continue to achieve its objectives.

Immediately following CPM-19, Mr. Bishop will take on the role of CPM Chairperson. Do you have any key considerations during such transitions?

Greg: As noted, the mission of the IPPC benefits immensely from the experience, knowledge, passion for plant health and collaborative nature of the IPPC community and participants at the CPM. Sam is a well-known and highly respected leader in the IPPC community who has served in numerous IPPC bodies to great effect and in facilitating significant outcomes for the IPPC through his efforts and expertise. He has been a member of the Bureau for several years, is the vice-chair of both the CPM and the Bureau, and has chaired the last two meetings of the Strategic Planning Group. The CPM can anticipate his continuing excellent leadership in the role of chairperson of the CPM which will ensure the continued success of the CPM in achieving the aims and objectives of the IPPC.

Stability and predictability are important factors during the change in chairs and at all times. The ongoing strong and effective work of the Secretariat staff, benefitting from and supporting the foundational organizational arrangements and goals of the FAO, will provide for this and ensure that Sam will have all the necessary support as he assumes the role of chairperson of the CPM and to be immediately effective in that role. I will also assist during and after the transition as appropriate.

It has been an absolute honour and privilege for me to serve as chairperson and I extend my warmest welcome to Sam in this important role. I have no doubt that he will have every success in leading and facilitating the CPM’s work in the next two years.