b'EXAMPLES OF A WORKING ing at existing SAs. Even with these identified differences, I do SYSTEMS APPROACH think that the IPPC and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) can gain valuable knowledge from these existing SAs. Fruit Fly Management in Mediterranean Countries: Mediterranean countries have successfullyIMPLEMENTATION OF A SYSTEMS APPROACH implemented a SA to manage fruit fly pests includingImplementing a SA at a national or organizational level requires the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata careful planning and coordination. It is important for both NPPOs ) and the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis and companies to build the necessary trust, capacity and expertise ). These countries, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Israel, haveto implement a SA effectively. This can be accomplished through developed comprehensive SAs that integrate a rangetraining programs, access to scientific and technical resources, and of phytosanitary measures, such as orchard hygiene,collaboration with relevant national and international organizations. fruit bagging, trapping, male annihilation techniques,By investing in training, infrastructure and coordination, both the and post-harvest treatments. These SAs have provenNPPOs and companies can establish robust systems to manage phy-effective in reducing fruit fly populations and facilitatingtosanitary risks and ensure compliance with international standards, international trade in fruits. ultimately facilitating safe trade in agricultural commodities, says Citrus Black Spot Management in South Africa:Bezuidenhout. South Africa has implemented a SA to manage theInitially there will be a need for investment in time and phytosanitary risk associated with citrus black spotresources by SA participants and the NPPOs, says Langens. An (Guignardia citricarpa important criterium for companies will be to have a quality man-). The SA includes orchard management practices, packinghouse procedures,agement system in place. To set that up will take time and resources and post-harvest treatments to ensure the exportbut the benefit of SA (increased predictability of seed movement) is of citrus fruits free from this disease. The successfulexpected to outweigh the required investments. NPPOs will need implementation of the SA has allowed South Africa toto adjust to a changed role of overseeing the system.maintain market access for its citrus products. Souza Richards says implementing a SA will require a col-laborative effort between various stakeholders, including NPPOs, Export of Apples from New Zealand: New Zealandrelevant authorities and companies. She says the following consider-has implemented a SA to manage regulated mothations are needed for implementation of a SA within organizations:species associated with apples for export for theAssess current practices: evaluate existing phytosanitary export of apples to various countries, including Chinameasures, procedures, and regulations in place to identify areas and the U.S. The SA involves in-field pest managementwhere a SA can be implemented. This assessment helps determine such as moth trapping and mating disruption to reducethe scope and extent of changes needed.pest prevalence. It also includes removal of infestedRisk assessment and management: conduct comprehensive fruit at harvest and post-harvest orchard managementrisk assessments to identify potential pest and disease risks associ-practices, fruit quality standards, pest monitoring,ated with the specific commodities and pathways involved in trade. post-harvest treatments, and proper documentation.Develop risk management strategies and measures to mitigate these The systems approach is supported by training,risks effectively.registration of system participants, good recordProtocol development: collaboratively develop protocols keeping, phytosanitary security of product for exportand guidelines that outline the requirements and procedures for and good industry practices. By implementing this SA,implementing the SA. These protocols should detail the phytosan-New Zealand has been able to meet the phytosanitaryitary measures, production practices, treatments, and certification requirements of importing countries and maintainprocesses to be followed.market access for its apple exports. Training and capacity building: provide training and capacity-building programs to NPPOs, relevant authorities, and companies involved in the trade of plants and plant products. Training should cover SA principles, risk assessment methodologies, pest identification, treatment application, certification procedures, and compliance with phytosanitary regulations. This ensures that personnel have the necessary knowledge and skills to implement and maintain the SA.Infrastructure and facilities: assess the existing infrastruc-ture and facilities to determine if any upgrades or additions are required to support SA implementation. This may include labora-tories for pest identification and testing, treatment facilities, inspec-tion stations, and facilities for production site visits and inspections.Resource allocation: evaluate the resource needs for imple-menting a SA, including staffing levels, expertise, and capabilities of NPPOs and companies. Additional staff with expertise in risk assessment, inspection, treatment and certification processes may be necessary. Adequate financial resources should also be allocated to support SA implementation effectively.Stakeholder engagement: foster collaboration and commu-nication among NPPOs, companies, industry associations, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. Engage in regular dia-logue and coordination to ensure a shared understanding of SA requirements, roles, and responsibilities.18ISEED WORLD EUROPEIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'