IPPC Training Course 'Building Phytosanitary Capacities' successfully conducted at the CIHEAM Bari

IPPC 2017 - Training course participants visit Apulian outbreak area of Xylella fastidiosa

Hosted by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM-IAM Bari) and facilitated by Ms. Sarah Brunel, IPPC Capacity Development Officer, the two- week training course was delivered from 29 May to 9 June, 2017. Participants included 15 Master students of the CIHEAM Integrated Pest Management Master. One NPPO representative also participated in the training.

The training curriculum presented an overview of the IPPC, its standards, and the activities and role of an NPPO. The training delved into technical areas including plant quarantine, pest risk analyses, surveillance activities, diagnosis, and covered market access, import and export standards, and a focused presentation on the outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa in Puglia. The training was based on the IPPC Technical guides: Establishing an NPPO, Operation of an NPPO, and Managing Relationships with Stakeholders. Trainees participated in several participative group exercises to work concretely on the establishment of an NPPO, setting a surveillance programme, a Pest Risk Analyses unit, and an export and import system. Participants were required to pass a test demonstrating their competence acquired in relation to the practical aspects of the training.

A new training of this kind is currently being organized for 2018 and will be open to NPPO Representatives. The course will be free of charge, however participants will bear the cost of travel and accommodation. Sponsoring options are currently being investigated.

For more information on collaborative work between CIHEAM and the IPPC click here.