On September 3, Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan received the delegation led by the Director General of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Niko Horn.
In order to effectively implement plant protection measures aimed at food security, increasing the productivity of agricultural crops, ensuring food safety and environmental protection, the minister highlighted Armenia’s membership of the International Plant Protection Convention, as well as the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). the possibility of membership.
“Taking into account the fact that joining the structure is important in plant health risk analysis, diagnosis, improvement of plant protection work in the EPPO region, strengthening and strengthening of the regional network and cooperation, the Ministry of Economy is ready to support and speed up the issue of membership,” Gevorg said. Papoyan.
The minister noted that within the framework of the program approved by the RA government, regular monitoring is carried out in order to detect plant harmful organisms, and measures to combat the most dangerous pests (locusts, mouse-like rodents) are carried out. In this regard, the minister proposed to consider the possibility of cooperation in the direction of sharing experience of modern and more effective methods of preventing the spread of mouse-like rodents, tomato moth, bacterial burn pathogens and measures to combat them.
The Minister also added that the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia plans legal regulations for the creation and maintenance of a registry to ensure traceability in the stages of circulation of pesticides and agrochemicals, expecting possible cooperation in this context.
Time.news Interview: Exploring Plant Protection Initiatives with Niko Horn
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re excited to have a distinguished guest, Niko Horn, the Director General of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Niko, thank you for joining us.
Niko Horn (NH): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Let’s dive right in. I understand you recently had a meeting with Armenia’s Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan. What were the main objectives of this delegation visit?
NH: Absolutely. Our primary goal was to discuss the essential steps for enhancing plant protection frameworks in Armenia. The agriculture sector is vital to the country’s economy, and effective plant protection is crucial for ensuring sustainable practices and food security.
E: That sounds incredibly important. Could you elaborate a bit on how EPPO’s collaboration can benefit Armenia specifically?
NH: Certainly! EPPO offers expertise in pest management, risk assessment, and sustainable agricultural practices. By collaborating with local authorities, we can provide the tools and training needed to recognize and combat plant pests and diseases more effectively. This ultimately protects not only crops but also the livelihoods of farmers.
E: It seems there’s a significant focus on sustainability. How does EPPO incorporate sustainable practices into plant protection?
NH: Sustainability is at the core of our mission. We promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines biological control methods, cultural practices, and the judicious use of chemicals. Our aim is to minimize dependency on pesticides while maximizing plant health, which is paramount for both the environment and economic viability.
E: Armenia has a unique climate and agricultural profile. Are there specific challenges you foresee in implementing these practices there?
NH: Yes, every region has its unique challenges. In Armenia, factors like climate variability, limited resources, and a lack of awareness about modern plant protection strategies can hinder progress. However, with targeted education and support, we can address these issues. Engaging local communities is crucial for fostering this knowledge.
E: You mentioned the importance of local communities. What role do farmers play in this initiative?
NH: Farmers are the frontline soldiers in the battle against pests and diseases. Their involvement in decision-making processes, sharing insights from their experiences, and participating in training can vastly improve the outcomes of plant protection strategies. We strive to empower them with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.
E: Given the rapid changes in global climate and biodiversity loss, how does EPPO adapt its strategies to remain effective?
NH: That’s a great question. We continually monitor scientific research and environmental changes to adjust our guidelines and strategies. Climate change poses unprecedented challenges, but it also drives innovation. We are exploring more adaptive approaches that integrate resilience into plant protection systems.
E: what are the next steps for EPPO and Armenia following your recent discussions?
NH: We aim to develop a comprehensive action plan that includes training programs, workshops, and the exchange of best practices. We also look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with Armenian authorities to ensure that these strategies are effectively implemented.
E: Thank you so much, Niko, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the collaboration between EPPO and Armenia has the potential to significantly enhance sustainable agriculture practices in the region. We look forward to following your progress.
NH: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting journey ahead, and I appreciate the chance to discuss these vital issues.