Stack J.P., Mumford J.D.

Plant and food biosecurity threats in the context of this book target the agricultural industry or the food supply chain by accidental or deliberate introduction of a plant pathogen or insect pest, hence, damaging crops, food and feed. It is therefore a challenges for the stability of a society, and its economy, since, agriculture and the food industry are a primary sector of any nation’s economy. There are many windows for threats from the introduction of pest or disease agents. Therefore, a risk management program, an interdisciplinary set of actions before and following the introduction of harmful organisms, should be carefully prepared and effectively executed. The risk management framework comprises a sequence of activities with structured responsibilities among regulatory authorities, scientists, extension professionals and farmers. Risk management includes the activities for pest risk assessment, preparedness, detection, diagnosis, procedures of containment, eradication and management, and finally a recovery plan. The risk management steps should be coordinated within a country and at a regional level in order to ensure that a disease or insect pest outbreak is successfully managed and does not establish in the area or spread to neighboring countries.

Part of the Plant Pathology in the 21st Century book series (ICPP, volume 8)