In recent years, numerous tests based on new technologies have been developed to meet the different needs. National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), for example, routinely perform pest diagnoses as part of export certifications, import inspections, pest surveillance and eradication programs. However, most of these tests are validated on an intra-laboratory basis through limited test performance studies (TPS) or ring trials and there is a need to further harmonise practices.
As part of Fera’s commitment to protect food production and the natural environment, they are working with a multi-disciplinary, European consortium to:
- Provide more complete and precise descriptions of the performance of diagnostic tests.
- Stimulate, optimize and strengthen the interactions between stakeholders in Plant Health for better diagnostics.
- Lay the foundations for structuring the quality and the commercial offers for plant health diagnostics tools.
The European consortium brings together a unique and exceptionally strong combination of scientific, technological and commercial expertise, resources and geographical representation. Fera will be primarily working on the validation of tests using different techniques and an analysis of the demand for diagnostic tests and their validation. Scientists at Fera will interact with a broad range of stakeholders, including researchers, diagnosticians, policy makers, inspectors, advisory services, industries and growers’ associations to ensure the project meets end-user requirements and to assess potential economic impacts.