FAO technical consultation on biological risk management in food and agriculture (2003)
Background
Biological risk management in food and agriculture is referred to as biosecurity by
FAO. This term best describes the concept, process and objective of managing
biological risks in food and agriculture in a holistic manner.
Broadly speaking biosecurity describes the concept, process and
objective of managing - in a holistic manner - biological risks associated
with food and agriculture, with ‘agriculture' used in its broadest sense to
include agronomy, livestock husbandry, forestry, fisheries and related environmental
aspects. Biosecurity encompasses all policy and regulatory frameworks
(including instruments and activities) to manage risks associated with food
and agriculture (including relevant environmental risks). Biosecurity is
composed of three main sectors, namely food safety, plant life and health,
and animal life and health. These sectors include food production in relation
to food safety, the introduction of plant pests, animal pests and diseases,
and zoonoses, the introduction and release of genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) and their products, and the introduction and safe management of invasive
alien species and genotypes.
Biosecurity is of growing interest as a result of major international
developments, including globalization of the world economy, rapid increase
in communications, transport and trade, technological progress, and increased
awareness of biological diversity and environmental issues. Biosecurity is
a key requirement for achieving the goals set out in the FAO Strategic Framework
by promoting, developing and re-enforcing policy and regulatory frameworks
for food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Biosecurity has direct
relevance to food safety, the conservation of the environment (including biodiversity),
and sustainability of agriculture.
Governments require national frameworks to regulate, manage and control biosecurity,
thus permitting practical implementation, increasing cost effectiveness, and
improving consistency across sectors. Governments also need improved international
frameworks and standards to support appropriate national action.
FAO held an Inter-agency Meeting and an international Expert Consultation
in September 2002 to improve understanding of the nature and relevance of biosecurity in
food and agriculture with a view to advance its practical implementation particularly
in developing countries. The advice and associated comments emanating from
these meetings provided the basis for debate and recommendations on biosecurity at
a broader international Technical Consultation held at the United Nations Conference
Centre, c/o the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP),
Bangkok , Thailand , from 13 to 17 January 2003 .
The Technical Consultation was convened within the framework of the FAO/Government
of the Netherlands Partnership Programme, and the FAO Inter-departmental Sub-Working
Group on Biosecurity.
Objectives
The Technical Consultation was tasked with further exploring the relevance
of biosecurity as a holistic approach to managing risks associated
with food safety, animal and plant health and the environment. The outcome
of the Consultation was used to prepare a document on biosecurity in
food and agriculture, submitted to FAO governing bodies in 2003. FAO is currently
finalising a Biosecurity Toolkit, which sets out guidance to develop and implement
national Biosecurity frameworks.
See also
Integrated food control systems > biosecurity
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