Shifting from IPPC Observatory to InFARM for surveys on antimicrobial use and microbial resistance in plants

The IPPC Secretariat is proud to announce a significant step forward for One Health and enhanced collaboration within FAO. Surveys on antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in plant health, among contracting parties, will now be conducted through FAO’s International Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring (InFARM) System, transitioning from the IPPC Observatory. This move marks an important breakthrough in breaking down silos and fostering integrated efforts across sectors.

What is InFARM?

InFARM is a global information system developed by FAO for surveillance and monitoring of AMR and AMU at national, regional and global levels. It combines an IT platform with capacity-building activities to help countries collect, analyze, visualize, and share AMR and AMU data for informed decision-making.

Originally focused on AMR in livestock, aquaculture and related food products, InFARM is currently expanding its scope and will, for the first time, include AMU data in plants.

In 2024, the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) endorsed InFARM, marking a key milestone in advancing a One Health approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance plants.

Benefits of InFARM to the IPPC Community

1. Harmonized data collection

2. Customizable confidentiality settings

3. Access to capacity-building resources

4. Access to visual tools to support national evidence-based decision-making

Enrolling to InFARM

1. Around 15 October 2025, contracting parties will receive email through the IPPC Official Contact Points, inviting countries to participate. Countries will be asked to designate national focal points to complete AMU questionnaires using data from customs records, pesticide registries and farmer reports.

2. Countries will complete the enrolment request form and submit it to [email protected].

3. Once approved, Focal Points can input data accordingly.

Roles of InFARM focal points

1. Coordinating the collection and submission of national data

2. Engaging with local stakeholders (e.g., pesticide registrars, farmers, customs authorities)

3. Ensuring the confidentiality of shared data

4. Data generation and surveillance

The IPPC Secretariat encourages all contracting parties to participate in this initiative.