For World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024, that took place from 18th to 24th November, we explored FAO's work on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in plant production and protection. We spoke with Marie Verhaegen, FAO consultant on antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in plant health, to understand the challenges, priorities and opportunities in this area. Along the way, we also got a glimpse into Marie's life and career journey.

1.    Hi Marie, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and lived my whole life in Belgium. During my studies in biology, I had the opportunity to travel abroad and broaden my knowledge of global environmental issues through two internships, one in Martinique and the second in California, United States of America. My interest in antimicrobial use (AMU) and resistance (AMR) was raised while pursuing a PhD on the environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance.

2.    What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

It is probably the curiosity of finding out more about the full-of-wonders world that we live in. It is completely fascinating to understand and learn about the way life works, from microorganisms and ecosystems to our bodies and the solar system. Another important motivating factor that led me to FAO in particular, is taking better care of our planet, which is our home. It is my own very small contribution to make the world a better place for my children!

3.    What is your perspective on the representation of women in science today?

Women’s representation in science has improved over the years, but there is still room to grow. Diverse teams perform better because they approach challenges from multiple perspectives, leading to more creative solutions. For example, women have advanced fields like maternal health and gender-specific medicine. To continue improving this potential, systemic barriers need to be broken down and inclusive environments must be fostered. Whether it is in medicine, engineering, environmental science, or else, having women, or any minorities, equally represented drives innovation that better serve our society and promotes equitable solutions to global challenges.

4.    We hear about AMR in humans and animals, but why is plant health also crucial in this bigger picture?

Plants form the foundation of our food chains, providing the vast majority of what humans and animals eat. They also produce 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe. So, healthy plants are vital for a healthy planet. 

When plant pathogens causing bacterial and fungal diseases become resistant to antimicrobial pesticides that are being used to control them, they become an even more serious threat to plant health, leading to severe losses of crops. That’s why we need sound, robust and sustainable pest management systems to control these pests and ensure adequate supplies of safe, high-quality food. Our reliance on the same critically important classes of antimicrobials to address human, animal and plant health underscores the interdependence of these sectors.  Because each of these areas represents an important part of the AMR puzzle, this interconnectedness is precisely why a coordinated One Health approach is required.

5.    What should people understand about the link between AMR in plants and the food on their table?

Over the past few decades, our global population has grown significantly, and demographics have shifted. This has led to more intensive farming practices to meet the increasing demand for food. This often means using more antibiotics and fungicides to protect crops from diseases, which unfortunately increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Think about it this way: bacterial and fungal plant diseases affect major crops we eat every day, like rice, potatoes, pears, apples, kiwis and tomatoes (the list goes on).

These diseases can lead to significant economic losses for farmers. However, addressing these diseases by using antimicrobial pesticides is not the solution as it contributes to increasing antimicrobial resistance, which takes an even larger toll on human, animal and plant health. That’s why we urgently need to look for alternative solutions to reduce our reliance on antimicrobial pesticides.

6.    What are some of the key priorities for FAO in the area of AMR and plant health?

One of the main ongoing activities is the development of a new plant health module for the InFARM IT platform, a global information system empowering countries to generate, collect, analyse, and effectively utilize their AMR surveillance and monitoring data in animals and food. This module will provide a more robust way to collect data on the use of antimicrobial pesticides in plant agriculture. We’re collaborating with colleagues from several technical divisions across FAO, including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and external partners, like CABI (The Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International), who bring in different AMR-related expertise. There is a critical lack of data in this area, so streamlining and generating evidence of AMU in plant health is crucial if we are to tackle AMR across the human, animal and plant sectors. This work aligns with FAO's broader objective of equipping countries with the tools needed to make informed decisions on antimicrobial use, thereby reducing the risk of AMR in plant health and contributing to global food security.

7.    Which steps can be taken to reduce AMU in plant health?

First, we need to lay a solid foundation by raising awareness among key stakeholders such as farmers, policymakers, researchers, and relevant organizations on the use of antibiotics in plant production and protection and the associated risks of AMR, within a One Health context. Effective communication, engagement, and education are crucial. Knowledge is key when it comes to taking action to reduce AMU. Informed stakeholders are more likely to adopt responsible practices. Simultaneously, investing in and promoting alternative, sustainable farming solutions is essential to reduce reliance on antimicrobial pesticides and mitigate the emergence and spread of AMR.

8.    Were there moments when you doubted your path? How did you stay motivated?

Yes, certainly. As many other fields, science comes with its fair share of hardship, challenges and obstacles. These can sometimes make you lose track of your purpose. When experiencing a dip in motivation, I always try to remember why I do what I do, and try not to look at the end goal, but rather focus on baby steps which seem much more achievable.

9.    Can you tell us something about you that might surprise people?

Even though I am working in the field of plant health, I actually have difficulties keeping my plants alive. I love having them at home and dream of a wall full of plants, but I do not think that I can achieve that.

 More on this topic

• AMR in plant production and protection  
• Antimicrobial use in plants on the InFARM website here.