Early detection of pest outbreaks and correct identification of incursions of new threats to prevent damage to crops.

Early detection of pest outbreaks and correct identification of incursions of new threats is a prerequisite for preventing socially and economically unacceptable damage to crop production alongside the increased efforts to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Of specific attention is the development of policies in consultation with Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to increase the chances of detecting and controlling transboundary threats at early stages.

Introduction of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) as an increasingly available and affordable product, as well as the strengthening of national and local capabilities, to operate new Information Technologies (IT). This provides an enormous opportunity to access and manage pest information to allow more targeted and early reaction, and better decision-making.