EUPHRESCO III - Regional champions

Africa
CAB International (CABI)
Countries in Africa have in the recent past focused on improving phytosanitary regulations and policy to strengthen plant health. At regional level, the AU Plant Health Strategy (2022 to 2036) envisions a robust, practical management system to produce healthy plants for all Africans and a mission to strengthen national plant health systems, ensure food and nutrition security, and improved safe trade. To achieve this, it underscores the importance of shared responsibilities, collaboration, and robust monitoring and evaluation to reach a sustainable Plant health system in Africa. In this region, gaps and challenges in phytosanitary research include limited funding and resources, inadequate research infrastructure, and the need for greater collaboration and coordination among stakeholders in areas such as weak phytosanitary regulatory frameworks, early warning and preparedness for invasive pest species and their management, climate change, and limited technologies for the diagnosis of plant health challenges. Building global phytosanitary research coordination will enhance processes and mechanisms to facilitate international collaboration on common plant health research priorities, and to increase communication on national and regional plant health research activities and their outputs. Increased collaboration and communication will result in better coordinated actions among those that perform research and use research outputs to improve the plant health system. CABI, as regional champion for Africa, will undertake surveys and collate phytosanitary research topics in Africa while developing a regional phytosanitary strategic agenda for Africa and contributing to the global phytosanitary research strategic agenda. CABI’s Global Agricultural Research Archive (GARA) (https://www.cabi.org/publishing-products/global-agricultural-research-archive/) archives agricultural knowledge from around the world with 8,000 full-text PDFs including conference papers, journal articles, annual reports, and bulletins. GARA is developed in collaboration with partners and contributors, with the potential to support EUPHRESCO III content from journal articles, workshop and conference proceedings, success stories and case stories from joint projects and research reports and publications. CABI is a global inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that provides information and applies scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. CABI is owned and run by its 49 member. CABI is headquartered in the UK and operates through a network of centres around the world. In Africa, CABI has its regional headquarters in Nairobi, and offices in Accra (Ghana) and Lusaka (Zambia). Globally, CABI has around 500 staff, with project operations in over 70 countries. The focus is on six overarching themes: Crop Health; Development, Communication and Extension; Knowledge Management and Data; Digital Development; Value Chains and Trade; and Invasive Species Management, across which the organization has successfully implemented over 600 projects. CABI’s projects are often undertaken in partnership with local, national and regional partners to leverage complementary expertise and capacity, and to ensure that the solution to the issue being addressed is robust, well-communicated and sustainable. Developing partner capacity is an integral part of all CABI’s activities.
MaryLucy Oronje CABI

Australia
Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI)
Plant industries are vital to Australia’s economy, contributing more than $43.8 billion in 2021-2022. These industries, which include field crops, trees, horticulture and viticulture, are the foundation of Australian regions. In the ever-evolving global landscape, safeguarding plant health is vital for ensuring global food security, sustainable communities and healthy ecosystems. Minimizing the loss of production and markets caused by biosecurity threats such as insects, pathogens and weeds is therefore a key focus for plant industries. In Australia, plant biosecurity is underpinned by science and innovation, which is supported by industry, and public and private investment in partnership with Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), the states and territories and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Recognizing the critical need for aligned efforts in the plant biosecurity space, the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) model was established in 2017. The PBRI provides a platform for organizations to create and invest in plant biosecurity research, development and extension (RD&E) activities. By pooling resources and expertise, the PBRI achieves a level of efficiency and impact that transcends individual capabilities. So far, PBRI catalyzed investments valued at $70M ca. In 2023, the PBRI Collaboration Agreement was renewed for another five years (2023-2028), further consolidating the PBRI’s position as a leader in biosecurity collaboration.
Jo Luck PBRI

Caribbean, Central America & South America
National Institute for Agricultural Research and Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (INIA-CSIC)
Caribbean, Central and South America is a vast region, characterized by a variety of ecosystems, farming systems and biodiversity and intense trade movement. Moreover, the number of countries in this region is high. This represents an extremely challenging scenario for plant health and for coordination activities. The National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA) within the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is the Regional Champion for Latin America. INIA-CSIC is a leading institution in agri-food and forestry science and technology in Spain, whose objective is to support sustainable economic growth and the well-being of society through agricultural and food research and innovation. Due to the linguistic and cultural nexus and their traditional scientific liaisons already established with some homologous institutions in the region (through the network of INIAs of Latin America), INIA-CSIC is perfectly placed to play the role of Regional Champion and lead the ambitious programme of EUPHRESCO III.
Pablo Gómez Grande INIA-CSIC

Central Asia
Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine of the Republic of Uzbekistan (KHA)
Uzbekistan boasts a rich diversity of crops cultivated across its varied regions. Notably, cotton stands out as a historically vital crop, positioning Uzbekistan among the world's leading producers and exporters. Alongside cotton, the agricultural landscape includes staples like wheat, barley, rice, as well as an array of fruits such as grapes, melons, and pomegranates, along with a variety of vegetables and legumes. However, despite its agricultural prowess, Uzbekistan confronts significant challenges within its agricultural sector. These challenges encompass issues such as water scarcity, inefficient water management practices, soil degradation, outdated farming techniques, pest and disease pressures, and limited access to modern agricultural inputs and technologies. The Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine of the Republic of Uzbekistan (KHA) emerges as a pivotal player in safeguarding Uzbekistan's agricultural sector and natural environment. By proactively preventing the introduction and proliferation of pests and diseases, which pose substantial threats to crops, ecosystems and economic well-being, KHA fulfills a vital mandate. Among its primary responsibilities, the agency prioritizes enhancing the forecasting systems within plant quarantine and protection. Additionally, it focuses on identifying and implementing effective methods to combat pests while preventing the introduction and dissemination of harmful organisms that could inflict economic damage within the republic's borders. Furthermore, KHA demonstrates a commitment to fostering international collaboration in plant quarantine and protection, as well as agrochemistry. This includes the adoption of contemporary technologies and methodologies to enhance service delivery and agricultural sustainability.
Lobar Azimova KHA

Europe-North
Euphresco
Northern Europe is a region characterized by large-scale, highly productive arable or horticulture production, resulting in large amounts of plant products that are internationally transported. Nonetheless, large parts of Northern Europe are covered with forests. Phytosanitary challenges are numerous, due to the large transport volumes of plant material and climate change unwanted plant pathogens and pests which pose a major thread to food production chains and nature. The Euphresco Network Office has been coordinating plant health research in Europe since 2006 and leading the EU projects EUPHRESCO I, EUPHRESCO II and the Euphresco self-sustained network.
Baldissera Giovani Euphresco

Europe-South & Mediterranean
Euphresco
The Mediterranean region is home to about 25 000 plant species, of which 13 000 are endemic (not found anywhere else on Earth) and has been recognised by Myers and collaborators as a biodiversity hotspot that is suffering an exceptional loss of habitat. Mediterranean agriculture, forests and other environments are seriously threatened by numerous quarantine and emerging pests, and their negative impacts is expected to increase due to the acceleration of global trade and to climate change which, respectively, favour the movement of these organisms over long distances and facilitate their adaptation to new environments. In the face of these challenges, the Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable due to the weakness of national quarantine systems, limited expertise and phytosanitary infrastructures, and not least the lack of funds for research activities in support of statutory plant health. The strengthening of research in the field of plant health is one of the main challenges that countries in the Mediterranean region have to address. The diversity of priorities both in terms of pests and in terms of infrastructures and skills has weaken the impact of national efforts, but plant health challenges require rethinking of the organization of research activities in all countries and their coordination in order to increase efficiency and impact. The Euphresco Network Office has been coordinating plant health research in Europe since 2006 and leading the EU projects EUPHRESCO I, EUPHRESCO II and the Euphresco self-sustained network.
Baldissera Giovani Euphresco

Europe-South & Mediterranean
International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari)
The Mediterranean region is home to about 25,000 plant species, of which 13,000 are endemic (not found anywhere else on Earth) and has been recognised by Myers and collaborators as a biodiversity hotspot that is suffering an exceptional loss of habitat. Mediterranean agriculture, forests and other environments are seriously threatened by numerous quarantine and emerging pests, and their negative impacts is expected to increase due to the acceleration of global trade and to climate change which, respectively, favour the movement of these organisms over long distances and facilitate their adaptation to new environments. In the face of these challenges, the Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable due to the weakness of national quarantine systems, limited expertise and phytosanitary infrastructures, and not least the lack of funds for research activities in support of statutory plant health. The strengthening of research in the field of plant health is one of the main challenges that countries in the Mediterranean region have to address. The diversity of priorities both in terms of pests and in terms of infrastructures and skills has weaken the impact of national efforts, but plant health challenges require rethinking of the organization of research activities in all countries and their coordination in order to increase efficiency and impact. The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) of Bari is a Centre for post-graduate training, applied scientific research and planning of partnership actions in the field of research and international cooperation in the Mediterranean region. Plant health is one of the historical pillars of its mission. CIHEAM-Bari activities have focused mainly on the development and transfer of advanced detection methods and tools, characterisation and epidemiological studies on pests affecting priority crops in this region, with a special emphasis on the production and use of certified plant propagating materials. In recent years, CIHEAM-Bari has contributed to the development and integration of smart technologies in pest risk analysis, early surveillance and prediction for the implementation of precision Decision Support Systems.
Anna Maria D’Onghia CIHEAM-Bari

North America
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Spanning climate zones from arctic to tropical, North America contains large areas of diverse agricultural production, as well as vast natural ecosystems and only three countries: Canada, United States and Mexico. The United States and Canada have agreed to jointly serve as EUPHRESCO III Champions for the North American region. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) efforts in plant health are essential for protecting Canada's plant resource base, the environment, biodiversity and economy from the threats posed by plant pests and diseases. By implementing rigorous regulatory measures, conducting testing, surveillance and monitoring activities and responding effectively to plant health emergencies, CFIA helps ensuring the health and sustainability of Canada's plants and natural resources. CFIA also works closely with international partners to negotiate and implement trade agreements that address plant health concerns while facilitating the movement of goods across borders.
Cheryl Dollard CFIA

North America
US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA)
Spanning climate zones from arctic to tropical, North America contains large areas of diverse agricultural production, as well as vast natural ecosystems and only three countries: Canada, United States and Mexico. The United States and Canada have agreed to jointly serve as EUPHRESCO III Champions for the North American region. As one of the world’s biggest importers and exporters of goods, the United States continuously faces immense phytosanitary challenges that require scientific solutions. Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), located within the United States Department of Agriculture, serves as the National Plant Protection Organization for the USA. PPQ is committed to working jointly with other countries on finding science-based solutions for our shared challenges by participating in the development of a global research agenda.
Heike Meissener USDA

Pacific Islands
New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd. (PFR)
The Pacific Ocean covers over 30% of the planet's total surface area and 25,000 islands. Plant protection is of paramount importance in the Pacific Islands, given their unique ecological makeup and reliance on agriculture for sustenance and economy. However, invasive pests, pathogens and weeds pose significant threats to native flora and agricultural productivity. Effective plant protection and biosecurity measures are essential for safeguarding these fragile ecosystems and ensuring food security for local communities. Fostering collaboration between governments, scientists, and farmers, the Pacific Islands can mitigate the risks posed by invasive species preserving their natural heritage and sustaining livelihoods. The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd is a research organization for advancing knowledge and innovation in horticulture, agriculture and food science. With a focus on sustainability and productivity, the institute conducts research to enhance crop yields, improve food quality and develop resilient agricultural practices. Additionally, its expertise extends to bioprotection and biosecurity, therefore working to safeguard New Zealand's unique ecosystem from invasive species. Plant and Food Research hosts the multi-partner research collaboration Better Border Biosecurity (https://www.b3nz.org.nz/).
David Teulon PFR

South-East Asia
Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)
Since 1990, APAARI has been working towards “Strengthened research and innovation systems for agriculture and agri-food system transformation in Asia and the Pacific” – the vision that has been recently refined in the context of the development of APAARI’s Strategic Plan 2024-2033. More than 75 members (including 22 countries of Asia and the Pacific) benefited from APAARI’s initiatives, mainly knowledge management, capacity development, partnership and networking, and advocacy in past three decades. APAARI works closely with national plant protection organizations and regulatory bodies in Southeast Asia and South Asia to develop and implement robust phytosanitary measures and policies, safeguarding agricultural production and biodiversity, to enable countries to produce healthier food and better facilitate their international trade. APAARI is implementing several global projects within and outside the Asia-Pacific region on various plant health priorities, including phytosanitary trade compliances. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, APAARI strives to safeguard the region's agricultural heritage while fostering a thriving and resilient agricultural sector for generations to come. In Southeast Asia, the intricate network of waterways and land routes facilitates the movement of agricultural goods, creating opportunities for the spread of pests and diseases. Similarly, in South Asia, where agriculture forms the backbone of many economies, APAARI endeavors to strengthen the resilience of farming communities against emerging threats and boost the market access and international trade through phytosanitary compliances. And both in South Asia and Southeast Asia through the One Health approach APAARI is addressing the health of humans, plants, animals and the entire ecosystems. By promoting collaboration and co-learning in research and innovation, APAARI empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate risks and enhance productivity in the face of evolving pest and disease pressures, the frequency of which has been increased by climate change.
Ravi Khetarpal APAARI

South-East Asia
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian governmental agency that brokers, funds, and manages partnerships and investments that catalyse more productive, sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems, improved food and nutrition security, and more sustainable management of natural resources for the benefit of our partner countries and Australia. ACIAR plays a significant role in facilitating agricultural innovation and knowledge sharing to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and enhance food security in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. ACIAR responds to the priorities of partner countries, to build innovative research collaborations, engage strategically with both the public, private and non-government sectors, leveraging Australian research expertise to tackle existing and emerging challenges through a co-development model. The organization evaluates the impact of its research investments to ensure they benefit local communities and contribute to long-term development goals. In addition to funding research projects, ACIAR invests in capacity building activities to strengthen the skills and knowledge of researchers, extension workers and farmers in partner countries. This includes training programs, workshops and scholarships. Furthermore, ACIAR engages with policymakers and stakeholders at national and international levels to influence agricultural policies and promote evidence-based decision-making. By advocating for the adoption of research findings and best practices, ACIAR aims to create enabling environments for agricultural development.