FAO and NEPPO Collaborate to Advance Phytosanitary Standards in the NENA Region

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (FAO-RNE), actively participated in the Regional Training Workshop on International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), held in Rabat, Morocco, on 14–15 July 2025. The workshop was organized by the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO), and in cooperation with the FAO-RNE and the FAO Subregional Office for North Africa (FAO-SNE).

The event brought together national plant protection officials, regional experts, and key stakeholders from across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. Its primary objective was to strengthen technical capacities for the implementation of international phytosanitary standards, which are critical tools for safeguarding plant health, facilitating safe trade, and ensuring food security.

Representing FAO, Dr. Thaer Yaseen, Regional Plant Protection Officer, delivered opening remarks. He emphasized the growing importance of plant health in the face of expanding global trade, climate change, and the increasing threat of transboundary pests and diseases. Dr. Yaseen highlighted ISPMs as essential instruments for protecting agricultural production, preserving biodiversity, and promoting fair and science-based international trade.

The workshop’s comprehensive agenda included:

• A review of the outcomes of the 19th session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM)
• Discussions on draft ISPMs, including commodity-specific standards
• Development of regional standards for certification systems for propagation materials of citrus, olives, and dates
• Practical training on the Online Comment System (OCS), a digital platform that enables countries to submit structured technical feedback on draft standards, ensuring transparency and inclusive participation in global standard-setting processes. 

“Capacity-building workshops like this one are essential for empowering national plant protection organizations to actively participate in shaping international standards that reflect our region's unique circumstances and priorities, said Dr. Yaseen. “FAO remains committed to supporting member countries in strengthening phytosanitary systems, which are fundamental for achieving sustainable agricultural development and food security.” 

This workshop also served as a preparatory step for the 2025 IPPC Regional Workshop, scheduled to take place in Salalah, Oman, from September 8 to 11, 2025. The upcoming event will further deepen technical discussions, promote regional collaboration, and align the contributions of member countries with international phytosanitary discussions.

Through its active engagement, FAO reaffirms its commitment to technical excellence, regional cooperation, and the promotion of safe, sustainable agricultural trade across the Near East and North Africa.