Description

In analogy to the animal health service, state-employed plant doctors monitor the health of crops (including water supplies and plant protection measures) at local, regional and national level. The plant health service provides tips and information on the use of pesticides in specific soil and climatic conditions, carries out residue inspections and notifies farmers and the public authorities at all levels. The state plant health service also inspects plant-based foods that are imported and exported and offered on the domestic market. It may also provide or contribute to a country-wide monitoring of genetic resources.

Requirements

• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with farmers' organisations
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with local advisory services
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions
• Farmers need to be willing to closely cooperate with the advisory services
• Regulatory framework
• Skilled / specialised personnel to man the respective institutions / provide the respective services
• Specialised courses at local universities
• Training opportunities for public adminstrative staff

Possible Negative Effects

• Nepotism caused by giving individual groups preferential advice and support