Main Contributors

The related coordinating mechanism is the IDWG on Biosecurity. The two key contributors are the AGP and ESN Divisions, in view of their responsibilities respectively with the implementation of the IPPC and food safety issues and Codex standards. The Fisheries Department (FI) is also involved from the perspective of safety and quality control of fish products.

Objectives

1. to provide policy advice to governments on biosecurity issues;
2. to support effective information exchange among Members; and
3. to assist countries in terms of effective biosecurity programmes and their participation in related standard-setting activities.

Priorities

1. monitoring, assessment and evaluation of international policies and instruments relevant to food safety, animal and plant health, international trade, human health and the environment;
2. organisation of an International Conference on Biosecurity in Food and Agriculture (in 2005) and support to resulting recommendations and plan of action;
3. fully operational Internet Portal; this includes cooperation with national authorities (minimum of 80 countries) and other international agencies, as well as capacity building to enable them to contribute to the Portal;
4. guidelines on risk assessment, risk management and risk communication as they relate to biosecurity; and
5. support to national biosecurity strategies and programmes and strengthening of national infrastructures (through field projects).

[extract from MTP 2004-09]