The PPQ works to safeguard agriculture and natural resources in the U.S. against the entry, establishment, and spread of animal and plant pests, and noxious weeds in order to help ensure the protection of native flora and an abundant, high-quality, and varied food supply.
NIS collaborates with scientists in various specialties at institutions around the country, sending them detailed digital images of suspected pests for timely identification.
The division's project areas include: PPQ advises on regulations for international and interstate trade with the aim of preventing the introduction of foreign plant pests.
The North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), operating between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, was created in 1976 to set Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM).
It depends upon regulators, scientists, producers and industry associations to collaborate in scientific standards to protect agricultural, forest, and other plant resources while facilitating trade.