Director's corner
november 2025
Message from IPPC Secretary Enrico Perotti
(from the IPPC October newsletter)
The IPPC is the sole multilateral and globally recognized authority for setting international plant health standards. Contracting parties have an enormous responsibility to cooperate in the development and implementation of measures to prevent the spread of plant pests. In a world facing increasing biosecurity threats due to climate change, emerging pests and expanding global trade, the role of the IPPC in safeguarding plant health, supporting agrifood systems transformation and fostering sustainable, fair and safe trade is more critical than ever.
Nearly 700 million people still go to bed hungry and plant pests cause up to 40 percent losses in global crop yields, contributing to hunger, reducing farmers’ incomes, and causing economic losses of about USD 220 billion annually. The cost of inaction is enormous and the IPPC and its contracting parties have a major role in limiting the impact of plant pests on life.
In this context, the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) are essential tools enabling countries to establish effective safeguards against the spread of pest, protect agriculture and the environment, and facilitate international safe trade. In fact, the ISPMs were among the key topics at the governing body meetings of the Bureau of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) and the IPPC Strategic Planning Group (SPG), held in Rome in October. Our discussions focused on strengthening the IPPC’s strategic direction and relevance in today’s fast-paced world. Some key questions included:
Re-thinking the ISPMs: How can we improve the clarity, readability, and usability of ISPMs while preserving scientific rigor?
- Can digital and visual tools enhance implementation?
- How do we ensure inclusivity and reflect regional challenges?
- Should the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020-2030 evolve to address emerging priorities?
- How can the IPPC strengthen phytosanitary capacity development? Are current interventions adequate?
These reflections are vital to ensure that the standards remain effective, accessible and adaptable to the diverse realities of contracting parties. Discussions will continue during CPM-20 in March 2026.
As we navigate a rapidly changing world, the IPPC must continue to lead with innovation, inclusivity and strategic foresight, building a legacy that strengthens global plant health and biosecurity for generations to come. I am honoured to contribute to this enduring mission as IPPC Secretary. From harnessing artificial intelligence to promoting plant health within the One Health framework, we have unprecedented opportunities to make a lasting impact on plant health, biosecurity and food security.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) appointed Dr. Enrico Perotti as secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention effective 7 October 2025.
Director FAO North America
