In Cairo on April 29, 2024, Egypt announced its initiation of a Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) aimed at bolstering agricultural production, food safety, and national capabilities in preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases. This endeavor is part of a broader project titled "Strengthening Food Control and Phytosanitary Capacities and Governance," funded by the European Commission and co-implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat.
The PCE in Egypt follows the successful validation of similar evaluations in nine Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) countries in 2023 and aligns with the African Union's Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Policy Framework. Its objective is to evaluate and fortify Egypt's phytosanitary systems by engaging key stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, research institutions, customs, and the private sector.
The initiative has garnered praise from Osama El-Lissy, IPPC Secretary, recognizing Egypt's commitment to safeguarding plant resources. It is anticipated that the collaboration among stakeholders will support Egypt's national plant protection organization (NPPO), the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ), in identifying gaps and weaknesses and devising strategies to enhance plant health and phytosanitary systems.
Saad Moussa, Supervisor of CAPQ, emphasized the significance of robust control systems in light of Egypt's significant agricultural exports and imports. The PCE, he stated, will help address critical gaps and bolster strategic planning.
The PCE commenced with a Situation Analysis workshop to pinpoint current system gaps and propose solutions. Subsequent phases will involve strategic planning and validation efforts, ultimately leading to the formulation of a comprehensive national phytosanitary capacity development strategy.
Egypt's focus areas include reviewing national phytosanitary legislation, restructuring the NPPO, and improving pest surveillance capabilities. Lotfi Allal, Officer in Charge of FAO Representation in Egypt, affirmed FAO's support for the initiative.
Over its five-year duration, the PCE is expected to yield outcomes such as enhanced plant health, fortified food security, safer trade practices, and sustainable agricultural transformation in the region.
Please find the original version of the article below:
https://www.ippc.int/en/news/phytosanitary-capacity-evaluation-to-strengthen-egypts-food-security-and-agricultural-trade/
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