North American Plant Protection Organization Takes Comments on Strategic Plan

On May 12, the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) posted the draft NAPPO Strategic Plan for review and comment.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is inviting U.S. stakeholders to submit comments on the draft by June 8 to its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program.

The NAPPO Strategic Plan will help shape policy standards for North American trade. In the past, it has influenced standards on the international movement of seeds, pest-free areas, and areas of low pest prevalence, among others.

“Stay involved!” APHIS wrote in a public newsletter. “U.S. stakeholders are vital to the work of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and NAPPO. Your input on proposed projects, review of draft standards and documents, and participation in IPPC and NAPPO events ensures we are developing relevant standards that advance U.S. harmonization goals.

“Standards facilitate the safe trade of plants, plant products and other regulated articles, harmonize plant protection policies and practices among and between trading partners in North America and internationally, and provide a critical framework for addressing phytosanitary trade issues and negotiating market access requests.”

For a copy of the draft, and specific instructions for submitting comments to PPQ on the NAPPO documents, visit the NAPPO consultation website. Comments should fall into one of three categories: substantial, technical, or editorial. Please provide alternative wording and a justification for any suggested amendments.

For more information, contact PPQ’s NAPPO Technical Director, Stephanie Dubon at stephanie.m.dubon@usda.gov.