Director-General addresses 20th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures

Rome - FAO Director-General QU Dongyu today called for greater vigilance, innovation and collaboration in responding to increasingly frequent and severe pest invasions that threaten farms, forests, livelihoods and global food security.

Qu delivered his remarks at the opening of the 20th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), held at FAO headquarters in Rome.

Healthy plants and crops are central to FAO’s efforts to transform agrifood systems to become more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable. Yet plant pests and diseases silently destroy up to 40 percent of global crops every year — enough food to feed billions of people. These threats cross borders with ease, fueled by climate change, global trade and the rapid expansion of e-commerce.

The Commission provides crucial guidance on acting early - at borders, in laboratories and through science‑based standards - to stop pests before they reach fields and forests. Its members play a frontline role in global plant protection, ensuring that seeds, plants and agricultural products can move safely across borders under harmonized, science-based rules, the Director-General said.

Marking the Commission’s 20th anniversary, Qu emphasized the need to adapt to a fast-changing world.

"Pest invasions today are more frequent and more severe than ever before. We cannot be complacent. We must stay vigilant. We must always be ready. We must remain innovative - pushing the boundaries of science, technology, and collaboration," the Director-General said.

International standards and strengthened capacity

Since its establishment, the Commission has adopted dozens of international standards to combat plant pests. It has launched the pioneering ePhyto Hub and strengthened national capacities in many countries.

These collective efforts have gained global recognition, including the proclamation of the International Year of Plant Health in 2020 and the subsequent establishment of the International Day of Plant Health on 12 May. The annual observance highlights the importance of promoting actions and investment in plant health among governments, organizations and partners worldwide.

The work of the Commission also supports FAO’s aspiration of the Four Betters, as outlined in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31: Reducing crop losses contributes to Better Production; Reducing post-harvest losses to supply safe, nutritious food supports Better Nutrition; Preventing invasive species from harming biodiversity through standards and integrated pest management contributes to a Better Environment; and Supporting stable livelihoods, safe trade and rural prosperity fosters a Better Life for all, leaving no one behind.

This week, FAO is also hosting the first Plant Health Innovation Fair and Scientific Poster Session. The event offers a valuable opportunity to showcase cutting-edge innovations, convene global experts, and highlight real-world successes, practical case studies and lessons learned from current challenges in plant health.