National Clean Plant Network

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program 

Implementation Guide

Appendix

Healthy Agriculture through Clean Plants 
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 2

Objectives, Actions, Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes, Metrics, and Timelines

This appendix serves the NCPN Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Refer to this appendix for details on 

implementation steps, specifically the Action Items, Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes, Metrics and Timelines 

associated with each Goal and Objective. Leaders and members in the seven commodity governing 

bodies, as well as the programs Special Initiatives, should refine this information to build operational 

plans tailored to their crop or program and long-term needs.

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations:

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.1

Stakeholder 

Driven Clean 

Plant 

Centers: 

Develop a 

network of 

centers that 

is focused on 

the 

stakeholder 

and their 

needs for 

clean plant 

material.

1. National 

Advisory 

Group:

Establish an 

advisory group 

focused on 

ensuring the 

stakeholderdriven mission 

of NCPN

• Volunteer time 

(hours) and 

expertise

• Advice 

(stakeholder 

needs)

• Stakeholderdriven decision 

making 

• Centers 

become more 

responsive and 

stakeholder 

focused

• Real time 

adjustments to 

industry needs

• Advisory 

Group will be 

established in 

FY 2021

• Adjustments 

initiated FY 

2021

2. Clean Plant 

Prioritization:

Commodity 

governing 

bodies work 

with industry 

to determine 

materials 

most needed 

by industry

• Volunteer time 

(hours) and 

expertise

• Program 

Directors, 

Industry 

representatives

• Website with 

available plant 

material

• Varietal Needs 

Prioritization: 

List of high 

priority 

domestic and 

international 

varieties for 

introduction 

and retention

• Optimized 

Resources 

Utilization:

Centers focus 

on highest 

priorities; best 

use of 

resources

• Ongoing, 

update during 

Tier-2 

meetings
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 3

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.2

Existing and 

New 

Centers: 

Optimize the 

number of 

NCPN 

Centers to 

ensure 

optimal and 

complete 

specialty 

crop 

coverage.

1. Study: Conduct 

study to 

determine 

optimal 

number/use of 

centers per 

existing NCPN 

commodity

• Determination 

of factors that 

prescribe 

placement of 

centers 

(location, 

acreage, 

number of 

growers, 

disease 

pressure and 

value of crop) 

• NCPN Tier II 

industry 

members

• Survey industry 

to determine 

excess and/or 

deficiencies in 

capacity

• Study: Study 

developed

• Best use of 

resources; 

network 

optimized; 

centers added, 

reduced, and 

adjusted as 

needed

• On-going
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 4

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.2 

(continued)

Existing and 

New 

Centers: 

Optimize 

the number 

of NCPN 

Centers to 

ensure 

optimal and 

complete 

specialty 

crop 

coverage.

2. New Crops:

Ascertain 

crops that 

might enter 

the Network in 

2021-2025

• Determination of 

new crops that 

have:

Industry requests

Disease pressure

Sufficient 

acreage and/or 

number of 

growers 

• Crop value 

• Established 

clean-up 

methodology

• Proposed New 

Crops: Develop 

listing of new 

crops proposed 

for NCPN entry 

• Requirements and 

procedures 

developed

• Understanding 

needs of crops 

seeking NCPN 

support

• FY 2021

• Situationally as 

new crops 

emerge seeking 

NCPN support

3. Protocols:

Develop and 

communicate 

criteria, 

requirements, 

and 

procedures for 

new crops 

seeking NCPN 

entry and 

support

• NCPN leadership

• Industry inputs

• Established 

clean-up 

methodology

• Ascertain Center 

Capacity (Current 

or new)

• Protocols 

Communicated:

Requirements, 

procedures 

communicated 

through the NCPN 

Request for 

Proposals (RFP) 

and the Education 

& Outreach 

initiative

• To the extent 

practical, 

incorporation of 

crops with 

centers that will 

be able to 

support 

themselves in a 

diminishing 

funding 

environment

• Ability to 

support new 

industries

• Incorporate new 

talent within 

NCPN

• Requirements 

and procedures 

developed for 

use in the NCPN 

FY 2021 RFP and 

in subsequent 

issuances
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 5

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.3

Protocols, 

Standards, 

Collaboration, 

and 

Coordination: 

Improve and 

coordinate 

cleanup 

activities and 

maintenance 

of clean 

plants.

1. Protocols and 

Standards:

Address the 

development 

of center 

laboratory 

and 

foundation 

protocols for 

clean plant 

processing 

and standards 

to harmonize 

processes 

among 

centers, 

within a crop, 

and across 

the network; 

this includes 

diagnostics 

and 

therapeutics 

protocols 

among others

• Detailed 

protocols 

currently in use

• ‘Director’s 

corner 

discussions

• Quality 

management 

Quality control 

program

• Tier II/WERA20/APS and 

other Meetings

• On-line 

repositories 

such as Google 

Drive, 

Sharepoint, or 

others

• Protocols 

Identified: Protocol 

needs identified for 

centers and by 

crops.

• Protocols 

Developed:

Protocols 

established and 

accepted by 

centers

• Harmonization:

Standards 

harmonized across 

all centers for a 

particular crop 

• Quality 

Management: 

Quality Assurance 

programs 

developed to 

support and 

advance protocols 

and standards

• Duplication 

of efforts 

avoided

• Stakeholder 

assurance 

that 

protocols 

are ‘state-of 

the-art”

• Optimization 

of protocols 

based on 

collaborative 

efforts

• Discussions 

during the 

quality 

control 

meetings, ongoing

• Work 

initiated in FY 

2021

2. 

Data/Informa

tion 

Resourcing:

Resource and 

Develop 

data/informat

ion 

management 

and sharing 

activities and 

systems

• Information 

management 

systems 

currently in use, 

new state-of 

the-art” IM 

systems

• Available 

databases in 

different 

centers

• Experience and 

troubleshooting 

the different 

software or 

hardware used

• Data and 

information sharing 

teams established

• Systems 

developed; 

nationwide or 

locally but linkable 

to others as 

appropriate.

• Data managers 

identified at the 

national and clean 

plant center level

• Minimized 

duplication 

and optimal 

use of 

resources

• FY 2021 and 

ongoing

• Establish an 

NCPN quality 

management 

quality 

control group

• Establish 

science-based 

info sharing 

teams
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 6

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.3 

(continued)

Protocols, 

Standards, 

Collaboration, 

and 

Coordination: 

Improve and 

coordinate 

cleanup 

activities and 

maintenance 

of clean 

plants.

3. Information 

Working 

Group: Create 

working group 

to review and 

recommend 

methods for 

data 

management 

that are 

appropriate 

for each 

participating 

clean plant 

center and 

program

• Volunteer time and 

expertise

• Available databases 

in different centers

• Experience and 

troubleshooting the 

different software 

or hardware used

• Develop 

data/information 

management 

systems for 

coordination of 

cleanup activities 

and maintenance 

and tracking of 

clean plants by 

commodity

• Minimized 

duplication 

and optimal 

use of 

resources

• Use of 

appropriate 

resources 

with the goal 

to develop a 

process where 

databases can 

talk to each 

other at the 

commodity 

and/or 

Network level

• FY 2021
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 7

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics 

and 

Timelines

1.4

Foundation 

Management: 

Assess, 

support, and 

manage a 

Network of 

nationallyfocused clean 

plant 

foundations 

and 

collections.

1. Identify G1 

foundation 

sources and 

potential 

sources of 

support

Data collection from all 

involved parties:

• National Clonal 

Germplasm 

Repositories

• Collections

• G1 

Foundations/NCPN 

Centers

• Industry groups

• Tier II

• Identifying 

infrastructure 

needs

• Divert 

resources 

where needed

• Optimal use of 

resources

• Safeguarding 

crops from 

natural and 

other 

catastrophes 

• Better 

understanding 

of industry 

needs

• FY 2022

2. New 

Foundation 

Needs 

Assessment and 

Establishment:

Ascertain 

whether, where, 

and what kind of

new foundations 

are warranted; 

assessing both 

regional and 

national needs as 

well as 

opportunities 

and threats

• G1 

Foundations/NCPN 

Centers

• Industry groups

• Tier II

• Identifying 

infrastructure 

needs, crops, 

opportunities, 

and threats

• Divert 

resources 

where needed

• Optimal use of 

resources

• Safeguarding 

crops from 

natural and 

other 

catastrophes 

• Better 

understanding 

of industry 

needs

• FY 2022
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 8

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.4 

(continued)

Foundation 

Management

: Assess, 

support, and 

manage a 

Network of 

nationallyfocused clean 

plant 

foundations 

and 

collections.

3. Plant 

Collections as 

Foundations: 

Determine the 

feasibility of 

incorporating 

special plant 

collections as 

foundations; 

assessing 

ownership and 

accessibility 

questions

• Industry 

groups

• Tier II

• Availability of more 

clean material, 

including material 

of historical value 

of relevance to 

current interests

• Optimal use 

of resources

• Safeguarding 

crops from 

natural and 

other 

catastrophes 

• FY 2022

4. Foundation 

Material 

Priority setting: 

Determine 

what is in 

foundations 

and for deaccessioning 

material

• G1 

Foundations/N

CPN Centers

• Industry 

groups

• Tier II

• Process to 

determine which 

plant accessions 

need to be 

eliminated

• Optimal use 

of resources

• FY 2022

5. Plant List 

Updates:

Each center 

update their 

list of 

cultivars 

every 6 

months and 

provide to 

crop 

coordinators 

for use 

within the 

Network

• Current plant 

list

• Continuation in 

providing source 

material

• Shared site or 

other 

comprehensive 

access available to 

everyone in the 

Network

• Greater 

confidence 

that material 

will be 

available 

when 

needed.

• Strengthen 

the network 

and clearly 

communicate 

material 

availability

• Tissue culture 

available by 2021 

for Sweet 

Potatoes, 

Berries, Grapes, 

Hops, Fruit Trees

• Determine what 

could serve as a 

back-up for 

Roses and Citrus

• 10% of the most 

demanded 

varieties are 

backed-up by 

2021
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 9

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.5

Plant 

Availability: 

Develop and 

maintain an 

up-to-date 

list(s) of 

available 

cultivars. 

Facilitate the 

distribution of 

clean products 

at Clean Plant 

Centers.

1. Database:

Develop 

database of 

clean 

accessions for 

each Clean 

Plant Center 

(CPC)

• Clean plant 

center lists 

of available 

products

• Annual 

updates

• Resources 

for Centers 

to 

complete 

the work

• Plant Lists: Lists 

of clean 

accessions 

obtained and 

updated 

annually/per 

schedule

• Availability:

Webpage of all 

cultivars 

available at CPCs 

and share list on 

NCPN (National 

Stakeholder site)

• Sources: 

Stakeholders can 

identify sources 

of clean plants

• Access:

Stakeholders are 

aware and have 

access to clean 

material list

• Efficiencies: No 

duplication of 

efforts

• Lists: Updated as 

needed (remain 

current) and 

dates of last 

update notated 

on the list

• FY 2021 with 

advancements in 

successive years
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 10

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.6

Permitting 

and 

Associated 

Regulatory 

Matters:

Facilitate 

discussions 

with 

permitting, 

regulatory, 

and related 

program 

officials in 

support of 

Network 

activities.

1. Working 

Group:

Establish 

NCPN/Permits 

and associated 

Working 

Groups

• Volunteer hours 

and expertise

• Directors with 

experience 

obtaining 

permits and on 

other regulatory 

and related 

matters.

• Needs identified 

based on Tier II 

Industry 

discussions

• Virus database 

will allow for 

appropriate 

measures/steps 

taken to secure 

permit

• Organized:

Working 

Group 

established 

with charter, 

members, 

mission

• Availability:

Focused body 

available to 

NCPN to 

address this 

objective

• Support: Group 

available to 

provide APHIS 

with scientific 

feedback as 

requested

• Group formed; 

FY 2021

• Annual Group 

report on 

collaboration 

with APHIS
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 11

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.6 

(continued)

Permitting 

and 

Associated 

Regulatory 

Matters:

Facilitate 

discussions 

with 

permitting, 

regulatory, 

and related 

program 

officials in 

support of 

Network 

activities.

2. Inventory:

Survey 

NCPN 

clean 

plant 

centers for 

permit 

usage, 

types, 

needs; as 

well as 

other 

issues 

regarding 

regulatory 

and 

related 

matters

• Current list of 

permits, 

permit usage, 

and need by 

Center

• List of other 

relevant 

regulatory 

and related 

issues

• Center 

directors, and 

Coordinators

• Inventory 

Developed:

Inventory of NCPN 

center permits 

and other related 

issues

• Needs 

Assessment: 

Determination of 

permit and 

related needs at 

NCPN centers

Positive Controls 

Permits: All NCPN 

Centers desiring 

positive controls 

have 526’s in 

place

• Permits List:

Listing of permits 

held at NCPN 

centers

• Gap Analysis:

NCPN Center 

permit ‘gap’ 

analysis

• Positive Controls 

Movement: 

Ability to ship 

positive controls 

between centers.

• Listing of Related 

Issues: Listing of 

relevant 

regulatory and 

related issues

• Inventory 

conducted and 

completed in FY 

2021; updated 

annually

• NCPN Centers 

seeking needed 

permits; FY 2021 

and updated 

annually

• All NCPN centers 

needing 526’s 

have them in FY 

2021

3. Controlled 

Import 

Permit (CIP):

Review 

conditions 

and usage of 

the NCPN 

(CIP)

• Current list of 

CIPs by center

• CIP Assessments:

Needs or gaps in 

NCPN/CIP 

identified

• CIP Adjustments:

Action initiated by 

Centers to adjust 

CIP’s for greater 

specific relevance

• CIP Permit 

Improvement: 

General 

NCPN/CIP 

improved

• CIP’s Adjusted:

Individual Center 

CIP’s modified 

for greater 

relevance

• New APHIS 

approved 

template; FY 

2021

• 25% of CIP 

Centers with 

updated CIP; all 

NCPN Centers 

with CIP’s 

reviewed and 

adjusted as 

needed by FY 

2023
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 12

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action 

Items

Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

1.6 

(continued)

Permitting 

and 

Associated 

Regulatory 

Matters:

Facilitate 

discussions 

with 

permitting, 

regulatory, 

and related 

program 

officials in 

support of 

Network 

activities.

4. Info Data 

System:

Work with 

APHIS to 

obtain 

needed 

project 

support on 

information 

management 

to facilitate 

regulatory 

decisionmaking

• Virus database

• NCPN 

researchers/directors

• Working 

Group 

Focused: 

NCPN Permit 

Working 

Group 

formed and 

oriented to 

this task

• Project 

Funding:

Project 

funding 

identified and 

secured

• Information:

Information 

system 

developed

• Insights: NCPN 

Permits Working 

Group providing 

APHIS with 

insights

• Initiative 

operationalized: 

Project is 

resourced and 

operational

• Decisionmaking:

Improved USDA 

regulatory 

decision-making

• Group 

convened for 

this purpose by 

APHIS at least 

2x/year; FY 

2021

• Project 

cooperative 

agreement let 

by FY 2021

• System has 

information 

input on 25% of 

pathogens of 

NCPN interest; 

initiates 

functionality FY 

2021
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 13

NCPN Goal # 1 – Program Operations: (continued)

Optimize the Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Clean Plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

1.7

International 

Clean Plant 

Program 

Connections: 

Centers are 

well connected 

internationally 

for material 

access and 

regulatory 

purposes.

1. Collaborating 

Centers and 

Scientists and 

Sharing of 

International 

SOPs: Extend 

NCPN 

collaboration 

internationally 

to proposed or 

similar 

programs at 

the global, 

regional, or 

national level 

(such as IPPC, 

EPPO, NAPPO, 

the QUADS, 

etc.). 

Harmonize and 

share Standard 

Operating 

Procedures 

(SOP’s) with 

international 

entities

• Multiple 

countries have 

programs in 

place with good 

experience with 

NCPN crops

• Established 

contacts and 

collaborations 

between 

scientists or new 

contacts and 

collaborations

• Connections/coll

aborations with 

international 

scientists that 

work on NCPN 

crops.

• Detailed 

protocols 

currently in use

• Experience with 

different crops 

and 

troubleshooting 

among centers 

in a commodity 

group

• SOP developed 

and some 

already shared 

among centers

• Direct lines of 

communicatio

n, better 

sharing of 

information 

and results

• SOPs at the 

international 

level 

harmonized

• Regulatory 

officials are 

confident in the 

international 

movement of 

clean plants 

among centers 

and their 

equivalents

• Access to high 

quality material

• Reduces the risk 

of illegal plant 

material 

movement

• Connections with 

international 

group will avert 

crisis in the 

discovery of new 

pathogens

• Better 

management of 

resources and 

reduce 

duplication efforts 

at the 

international 

center

• FY 2021 and 

ongoing
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 14

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives:

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.1 

Use Advanced 

Diagnostics: 

Use more

accurate, 

sensitive and 

comprehensiv

e detection 

methods to 

accelerate the 

production of 

clean plants. 

Additionally, 

identify risk, 

including that 

of not 

adopting new 

technologies.

1. Resource 

Allocation: 

Allocate 

resources to 

support 

optimization 

and 

adaptation of 

new 

technologies

• Determination of 

current/potential 

resources and 

new technologies

• Personnel with 

expertise in 

diagnostics

• Network of 

international 

partners that are 

pioneers in new 

diagnostic 

technologies 

• New 

technologies 

adopted 

throughout 

the network

• Better 

collaboration 

with partners 

outside NCPN 

so as to 

improve and 

implement 

new diagnostic 

technologies

• Enhance 

international 

competitiveness

• Higher 

efficiency for 

the network

• Stability in the 

network

• Higher quality 

G1 material

• All: higher 

efficiency (# of 

accessions) by 

25% - FY 2023

• SOPs initiated 

in FY 2021 and 

ongoing

2. Training:

Train NCPN 

members in 

the new 

technologies 

and protocols

• New, improved 

protocols

• Personnel with 

expertise in 

diagnostics

• NCPN 

members with 

enhanced 

diagnostics 

skills.

• Continuity. No 

fallbacks 

because of 

retirements

• Higher 

efficiency for 

the network

• Stability of 

CPCs: member 

cross-training, 

redundancy

• FY 2021
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 15

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.1 (continued)

Use Advanced 

Diagnostics: 

Use more

accurate, 

sensitive and 

comprehensive 

detection 

methods to 

accelerate the 

production of 

clean plants. 

Additionally, 

identify risk, 

including that 

of not 

adopting new 

technologies.

3. Protocol 

Evaluation and 

Improvement:

Evaluate existing 

protocols for 

accuracy, 

sensitivity, and 

identify better 

protocols; 

including novel 

protocols for 

cryotherapy, 

thermotherapy, 

and 

chemotherapy, as 

well as plant 

propagation, in 

vitro protocols, 

and media

• Existing protocols

• Centers with 

experience in 

diagnostics and 

clean-up

• Peer-reviewed 

publications

• More inclusive 

testing

• Faster clean-up

• Greater 

accuracy and 

sensitivity to 

detect 

pathogens and 

faster delivery 

of clean plants

• FY 2021

4. New Protocol 

Implementation:

Implement 

protocols that 

exceed present 

standards

• New Protocols • Better 

technologies 

for targeted 

pathogen 

elimination 

• Measurable 

laboratory 

standards

• Improved 

clean-up 

protocols

• Greater 

accuracy and 

sensitivity to 

detect 

pathogens and 

faster delivery 

of clean plants

• FY 2022
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 16

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.1 (continued)

Use Advanced 

Diagnostics: 

Use more

accurate, 

sensitive and 

comprehensive 

detection 

methods to 

accelerate the 

production of 

clean plants. 

Additionally, 

identify risk, 

including that 

of not 

adopting new 

technologies.

5. Standardized 

Protocols:

• Implement 

standardized 

commodityspecific protocols 

where there is 

need

• Coordinate 

efforts with 

APHIS and State 

regulatory 

officials to 

facilitate 

adoption of new 

protocol 

technologies, 

including analysis 

of risk

• List of evaluated 

protocols 

• Funding to collect 

and assess 

protocols

• Better 

detection of 

targeted and 

new 

pathogens

• Increase 

number of 

accessions 

tested, and 

decrease 

time required 

to release.

• Peer-review 

publications

• Distribution of 

expertise among 

CPCs

• Better 

confidence on 

the quality of G1 

plants

• Minimize risk for 

epidemics

• FY 2021

6. Equipment:

Update/Upgrade 

equipment in CPC 

to perform 

testing

• Determination of 

what equipment 

is needed to do 

testing

• Funding

• State-of-theart diagnostic 

equipment

• Expansion of 

G1 

accessions

• Higher detection 

accuracy and 

sensitivity of 

targeted 

pathogens

• Higher 

number/quality 

of G1 plants

• On-going
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 17

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.2

Foundation 

Protection:

Use new 

technologies to 

safeguard and 

back-up 

foundation 

material.

1. Determine 

needs: Establish 

a working group 

to ascertain 

needs

• Volunteers and 

time

• More efficient 

technologies 

implemented 

for managing 

G-1 blocks

• Less loss

• List of needs

• Improved plant 

health; facilitate 

maintenance; 

survival

• Highly 

trained 

staff on the 

new 

technologie

s

• Availability 

of noncompromis

ed plant 

material 

• Replanting 

costs drop

2. Technology 

Evaluation:

Evaluate new 

technologies for 

accuracy and 

sensitivity

• Tier II and 

Industry

• More efficient 

technologies 

implemented 

for managing 

G-1 blocks-less 

loss

• Improved plant 

health; 

facilitate 

maintenance, 

survival

• FY 2021-

ongoing

3. Training: Train 

NCPN members 

in the new 

technologies 

• Tier II • Highly trained 

staff on the 

new 

technologies

• Opportunity 

for 

professional 

development 

for staff

• Peer-reviewed 

publications 

• Opportunity of 

an

appropriately 

staffed CPC

• FY 2021-

ongoing

4. Equipment:

Update/Upgrade 

equipment in 

CPC to support 

foundation 

protection 

activities

• Funding • Improved/upgr

aded 

equipment

• Improved plant 

protection

• FY 2021-

ongoing
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 18

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.2 (continued)

Foundation 

Protection:

Use new 

technologies to 

safeguard and 

back-up 

foundation 

material.

5. Foundation 

Protection Plans:

Establish Center, 

Crop, and Network 

oriented plans to 

safeguard and backup foundation 

materials

• Tier II and 

industry

• Improved 

back up 

plans

• Redundancy 

in the 

Network

• FY 2022 -

ongoing

6. Cryopreservation 

Technology 

Investigation:

Determine feasibility 

of cryopreservation 

of material of 

interest to NCPN

• Plant 

Germplasm 

Preservation, 

Research 

Unit, Tier II 

and Industry

• Evaluation of 

feasibility 

study

• Back up of 

material in 

state-of-theart system

• FY 2023 -

ongoing
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 19

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the 

awareness of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.3

Natural 

Disaster 

Preparation:

Secure clean 

material in 

case of 

natural 

disasters or 

disease 

outbreaks.

1. Ascertaining 

Vulnerabilities: 

Identify risks 

for each 

center and the 

centers that 

have the 

highest 

vulnerabilities 

• Tier II Industry • Strengthened 

collaborations 

with ARS (Ft. 

Collins) and with 

other CPC’s

• Updated 

vulnerability list

• Increased 

awareness of 

vulnerabilities

• Tier II –

2021 

annual 

meetings

2. Develop 

contingency 

plans for 

commodity 

groups

• NCPN 

Management 

Team (MT)

• Develop plans 

and Instructions

• Redundancy in 

case of 

emergencies/ca

tastrophes

• New paradigms 

for how 

foundations are 

kept and 

managed

• FY 2021

3. Implement 

Contingency 

Plans: Complete 

and implement 

contingency 

plans with 

industry 

involvement

• Tier II

• Industry

• Secure material • Quantification 

of 

vulnerabilities

• Greater 

confidence that 

material will be 

available when 

needed

• Strengthen the 

network 

• FY 2022
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 20

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the 

awareness of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.4

Clean Plant 

Material 

Demand:

Determine 

Industry 

Needs for 

Clean Plant 

Material.

1. Clean Plant 

Material Needs 

Analysis:

Evaluate the 

need for G1 

material and 

the capability 

to meet the 

need; including 

variety, 

demand, 

capacity, 

availability, 

redundancy 

and retention

• Collect Data from 

Industry, Tier II, 

and whatever 

sources may have 

it available

• Gather predictions 

from Industry and 

Tier II to identify 

future 

capacity/inventory 

needs (Tier II)

• Identify current 

capacity/inventory 

(Tier II)

• List of 

potential 

successful 

varieties

• Availability of 

clean plant 

material more 

harmonized with 

industry needs

• Limit waste of 

resources

• FY 2021

2.New 

Foundations:

Expand; create 

foundations at 

locations as 

identified by 

the industry

• Industry • New 

foundations

• Redundancy and 

better response 

to industry needs

• Establish as 

needed new 

G1 

foundations

3. Breeders and 

Other Entities: 

Engage 

breeders and 

entities 

engaged in 

breeding in 

providing 

material to 

CPCs for cleanup

• Identify breeders 

and other entities

• Face-to-face 

discussions 

between NCPN 

and industry in 

order to 

implement CPC

• Industry 

requires 

material goes 

through a CPC 

for clean-up

• Increased 

material from 

breeders 

delivered to 

CPC

• More diverse 

plant material

• High quality 

material 

delivered to the 

industry at a 

timely manner

• On-going 

through 

meetings, 

including 

face-to-face 

discussions
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 21

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.4 

(continued)

Clean Plant 

Material 

Demand:

Determine 

Industry 

Needs for 

Clean Plant 

Material.

4. Efficient use 

of resources

• List of foundation 

material that has 

not been used for a 

number of years

• Discussions with 

industry on the 

potential/value of 

retaining material 

• Eliminate 

material from 

foundations; 

move to 

repositories, 

return to 

industry, etc.; 

that have 

minimal potential 

of 

meaningful/large 

scale propagation 

• Better use of 

resources

• FY 2021 -

On-going
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 22

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.5

Clean Plant 

Program 

Education & 

Outreach: 

Facilitate 

the adoption 

of clean 

plants 

coming from 

clean plant 

centers by 

nurseries 

and growers 

through 

extension 

and 

outreach 

activities.

1. NCPN 

Education & 

Outreach 

Program 

Advancement 

and 

Resourcing:

Review, reorient, and 

fund the 

Education & 

Outreach 

group; 

including 

activities for 

the 

establishment 

of baseline 

data on 

educational 

material used, 

volume and 

trends in use of 

clean plants in 

the various 

NCPN crop 

groups, etc.

• Funding

• Tier II 

volunteers

• Information on 

current use of 

clean plant 

material across 

commodities

• Staffing: Hire a 

dedicated NCPN 

Education, 

Outreach, and 

Communications 

Director

• Purpose: 

Reconsider and 

re-craft the 

mission and the 

NCPN Education 

& Outreach 

initiative

• Materials: 

Rebrand NCPN 

material to 

appeal to focus 

groups/next 

generation of 

stakeholders 

Educational 

material

• Internet: Webbased; incl. 

YouTube and 

related new 

media

• Increased use:

Increase use 

of clean 

material by 

15%/year

• Baseline data:

Information 

clean plant 

use trends

• Director 

hired by the 

end of 

FY2021

• Ongoing –

surveys, web 

trafficking, 

meetings 
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 23

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.5 

(continued)

Clean Plant 

Program 

Education 

& 

Outreach: 

Facilitate 

the 

adoption of 

clean plants 

coming 

from clean 

plant 

centers by 

nurseries 

and 

growers 

through 

extension 

and 

outreach 

activities.

2. Education & 

Outreach Tools: 

Assess NCPN 

Education & 

Outreach tools, 

revise as 

necessary, and 

develop new 

ones.

• Funding

• Stakeholder 

testimonials

• Existing E/O 

material and 

other tools

• Library: Sustain 

NCPN ‘Library’ for 

extension/outrea

ch materials; a 

place for material 

to be housed and 

available

• Materials:

Material 

available on 

Education & 

Outreach 

website

On-going

3. 

Communications 

Planning: Review 

and revise the 

NCPN 

Communications 

Plan

• Initial NCPN 

Communications 

Plan

• Meetings to 

discuss options, 

analyze 

information and 

propose 

directions

• Revised NCPN 

Communications 

Plan; including a 

national plan and 

crop and other 

specific plans

• Information on 

audiences, 

techniques for 

communicatio

ns, needed 

tools, and 

anticipated 

results

FY 2021 –

Review and 

Assessment of 

Plans

FY 2021 –

Implementatio

n of final 

products

4. Industry 

Engagement:

Engage 

industry 

representativ

e through 

workshops/ 

organizations

• Funding

• Tier II volunteers

• Meetings: Faceto-face 

communication 

with industry

• Increased use: 

Increase use of 

clean material 

by 15%/year

On-going
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 24

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.5 

(continued)

Clean Plant 

Program 

Education & 

Outreach: 

Facilitate the 

adoption of 

clean plants 

coming from 

clean plant 

centers by 

nurseries and 

growers 

through 

extension and 

outreach 

activities.

5. Extension:

Engage 

extension 

professionals 

and volunteers 

such as Master 

Gardeners in 

outreach. Need 

to heavily 

engage in 

‘millennial’ 

education.

• Resources: Identify 

individuals and 

assist them in 

getting Farm Bill, 

incl. NCPN, and 

other sources of 

funding in order to 

fund 

Education/Outreach 

initiatives

• NCPN 

Communications 

Plan

• Staffing: Hire an 

NCPN E/O 

Director

• Availability:

Develop 

strategies and 

resources to 

ensure that 

educational 

materials about 

its services and 

products are 

available for 

NCPN outreach

• Outreach:

Dissemination of 

information – to 

include 

publication, 

webinar series, 

face-to-face 

workshops and 

growers 

meetings, trade 

shows, industry 

meetings, 

professional 

societies, 

podcasts, 

twitter, 

Instagram, FB 

etc. social media 

in general 

• Audience:

Reaching out to 

a wide audience 

of stakeholders

• Engage small 

nurseries that 

are not and will 

not be part of

any certification 

schemes

• Coordination:

Coordinated 

delivery of NCPN 

Education & 

Outreach 

strategies

• Awareness:

Increased 

awareness of the 

value of using 

clean plants

• Director 

hired by 

the end 

of FY2021
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 25

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.6 

Economics:

Assess the 

economic 

impact of 

the clean 

plant 

programs.

• Economics:

Assess 

economic 

impacts of 

production of 

clean plants 

with current 

and new 

studies.

• Establish an NCPN 

Economics Working 

Group

• Published studies

• Engage economists 

and CPC Focus on 

large CPC

• Funding for 

economic studies.

• Data: Obtain data 

from industry and 

clean plant centers

• Prioritization: Priority 

list for studies

• Studies:

NCPN-funded 

peerreviewed 

evidence of 

CPC economic 

impact in 

specialty 

crops 

• CPC Value:

Rigorous 

estimates of the 

economic value 

of clean plant 

centers

• Adoption:

Stakeholders 

increased 

adoption of 

clean plants used 

based on 

cost/benefit 

analysis

• Publications:

Peer-reviewed 

publications 

• FY 2021 - on 

going
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 26

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.7

Quality 

Assurance 

and Quality 

Control:

Establish 

formalized 

programs and 

processes for 

program 

Quality 

Coordination 

and 

Management.

1. Quality 

Working 

Group: 

Establish, 

charter, and 

implement a 

working group 

focusing on 

NCPN Quality 

Management 

across the 

network and at 

clean plant 

centers

• Volunteers

• Funding

• Specialists with 

expertise in Quality 

Management and 

Quality Control

• Group of Tier 

II/Industry 

representatives 

focused on 

quality 

standards

• Improved 

confidence 

in clean 

plant 

material

• FY 2021 -

Working 

group 

established

2. Quality 

Standards:

Establish 

NCPN 

standards for 

program and 

product 

quality.

• Review current CPC 

standards

• Study standards 

from related 

organizations; 

including entities 

such as 

Naktuinbouw, 

Euphresco, and 

others

• Identify 

improvements to 

current standards

• Improve on 

current and 

adoption of 

new standards

• Quality 

Managers 

at select 

clean plan 

centers

• Improved 

confidence 

in clean 

plant 

material

• FY2021 - on 

going

3. Quality 

Reviews and 

Assessments: 

Develop 

program and 

center review 

protocols, 

priorities, and 

conduct 

reviews

• Other accreditation 

systems: e.g. 

National Plant 

Diagnostic 

Network’s (NPDN) 

STAR-D; ISO etc.

• Leaders/volunteers 

from NPDN; 

accredited labs

• Quality Control 

managers of Clean 

Plant Centers

• Reviews of 

CPCs QS to 

assess 

strengths and 

weaknesses

• Set priorities

• Improved 

protocols

• Successful 

audits

• Improved 

confidence 

in clean 

plant 

material

• FY2021 -

ongoing
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 27

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.8

Scientific 

Information 

Development, 

Use, and 

Sharing:

Develop 

agreement 

and establish 

procedures 

for internal 

and external 

data and 

information 

development 

and sharing.

1. Scientific Data 

and Information 

Working Group: 

Establish a team 

to assess NCPN 

scientific 

information 

needs, inventory 

data, and develop 

protocols for 

information 

management. 

Uses could 

include info 

useful to gov’t 

regulators to help 

with decisionmaking.

• Information 

developed by 

researchers.

• Plant 

pathogen 

survey 

information

• Project 

funding

• Group of Tier 

II/Industry 

representatives 

focused on 

scientific data 

and 

information

• Improved 

confidence in 

clean plant 

material

• Support for 

rapid and 

accurate 

regulatory 

decisionmaking

• FY 2021 – NCPN 

funding support 

for the initiative

• FY 2021 – Team 

report on 

activities; 

accomplishments, 

outputs, 

outcomes, and 

roadmap forward

2: Information 

Data Systems: 

Develop a system 

to gather, 

manage, advance, 

and share 

scientific 

information and 

data.

• Identify 

the needs 

and the 

items that 

need to be 

shared

• Describe 

current 

systems in 

individual 

Clean 

Plant 

Centers

• New or 

improved 

current system 

for gathering, 

managing, 

advancing, and 

sharing 

scientific 

information 

and data for 

each group; 

not necessarily 

NCPN as a 

whole

• Increased 

transparency 

among CPCs.

• Overall 

increase in 

competence 

of centers

• Support for 

rapid and 

accurate 

regulatory 

decisionmaking

• FY 2020- on-going
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 28

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.8 

(continued)

Scientific 

Information 

Development, 

Use, and 

Sharing:

Develop 

agreement 

and establish 

procedures for 

internal and 

external data 

and 

information 

development 

and sharing.

3. NCPN Scientific 

Information –

Supporting 

Regulatory 

Decision-Makers: 

Develop 

protocols for 

sharing NCPN 

center developed 

scientific 

information with 

national and local 

governmental 

officials to 

support/inform 

regulatory 

decision-making.

• Identify current 

protocols

• New or 

improved 

protocols for 

sharing 

scientific 

information 

data with 

officials

• Improved 

understanding of 

scientific 

information on the 

part of officials. 

Fewer instances of 

misunderstandings

• FY 2022
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 29

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics 

and 

Timelines

2.9

Interface with 

Nursery Clean 

Plant Programs: 

Facilitate 

communication 

among 

regulators, 

research 

scientists, 

industry, and 

centers to 

develop clean 

plant nursery 

programs to 

increase the use 

of clean plant 

material.

1. Spokespersons:

Identify and 

develop a cadre 

of industry and 

NCPN Tier II 

members as 

spokespersons 

for each 

commodity

• Tier II; 

Experience, 

knowledge of 

Tier II 

members

• Persons: List of 

spokesperson or 

champions per 

commodity

• Locations: Good 

‘regional’ 

representation

• Numbers: At 

least 2 

spokespersons 

identified per 

commodity

• Attendance: 

Spokespersons 

attend a minimum of 

2 meetings to 

present information 

on clean plants

• Presentations: 

Stakeholders and 

NCPN Tier II 

members 

participating in clean 

plant presentations 

to stakeholders

• Have 

spokespe

rsons 

identified 

by end of 

FY 2021 

with the 

list being 

reviewed 

and 

renewed 

annually

2. Events: Identify 

and prioritize 

the most 

appropriate 

meetings for 

spokespersons 

to attend

• Tier II:

Experience, 

knowledge of 

Tier II 

members

• Resources:

Funding for 

meetings

• Persons:

Responsibility 

of the E/O 

Director or 

Professional 

Tier II 

Coordinators

• Stakeholders:

Trade shows, 

educate 

stakeholders, 

attend 

meetings

• Meetings:

Prioritized list of 

appropriate 

meetings to 

attend

• Participation:

Attend and 

present at 

meetings

• Delivery: Enhanced 

opportunities to 

deliver a message 

that resonates with 

stakeholders

• Message: Success 

stories

• Demand: Build 

demand for use of 

clean plants

• Benefits: Engage 

non-compliant 

industry regarding 

the benefits of clean 

plants

• Electronic: More hits 

on the website

• Industry Response:

Feedback from 

industry

• Prioritize 

events 

and get 

on 

agendas 

in FY 

2021

• Minimum 

of 2 

industry 

meetings 

per year 

starting 

in 2021
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 30

NCPN Goal # 2 – Advancing Special Initiatives: (continued)

Optimizing the adaptation and implementation of novel technologies and new ideas while increasing the awareness 

of the importance, availability, and use of clean plants

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Timelines

2.9 (continued)

Interface with 

Nursery Clean 

Plant Programs: 

Facilitate 

communication 

among 

regulators, 

research 

scientists, 

industry, and 

centers to 

develop clean 

plant nursery 

programs to 

increase the use 

of clean plant 

material.

3. Team 

Coordination:

Assist team 

led by state 

regulators 

and industry 

to: 

• Identify the 

role NCPN 

can play in 

clean plant 

nursery 

programs

• Discuss the 

commodity 

needs and 

requirements 

for a clean 

plant nursery 

program.

• Put in place a 

framework

for 

addressing 

overall clean 

plant nursery 

program 

questions and 

issues

• Governing 

Bodies: 

Experience, 

knowledge, 

participation of 

Tier II and 

other 

interested 

parties (State 

DOAs, 

Regulators, 

Industry)

• Resources:

Funding for 

meetings, Farm 

bill funding 

• States: State 

DOAs (Team 

Lead)

• Federal: 

USDA/APHIS

• Industry:

Nursery 

Industry, 

Growers, 

Breeders, and 

others

• Membership of 

governing bodies:

Tier II state 

regulators, 

industry members 

and with invites to 

subject experts for 

input regarding 

certain issues

• Procedures: Meet 

with State DOAs 

and other 

interested parties

• Procedures: Team 

makes 

recommendations 

and reviews 

certification 

standards (led by 

State? DOAs)

• Pathogen Lists:

NCPN provides 

updates/informati

on to State DOAs 

on targeted 

pathogens in 

support of 

certification

• Harmonization:

Contribute to 

other teams in 

their efforts to 

harmonize the use 

of certification 

standards

• Interactions:

Interaction with 

groups 

composed of 

regulators and 

industry 

members that 

discuss issues 

around 

certification.

• Communication:

Contribute to 

improved realtime 

communication 

between parties.

• Message 

Harmonization: 

Incorporate 

NCPN material 

into certification 

schemes.

• Plant Movement:

Freer movement 

of plant 

materials among 

the States

• Interstate 

Profits: Increased 

profits for 

nurseries that 

choose to ship 

across State lines

• Cultivar Access:

Improved access 

for growers to 

new cultivars via 

movement of 

clean plants 

across state 

borders

• Team 

established 

in FY 2021
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 31

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking:

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.1

NCPN Program 

Governance: 

Assess and 

ascertain NCPN 

Governance 

and 

Administration 

needs for FY 

2021-2025.

1. NCPN National 

Leadership: 

Review NCPN 

national 

leadership 

structures and 

explore 

advanced 

models for FY 

2021-2025

• Tier I/II 

leadership

• Leadership of 

special 

initiatives 

committees 

such as 

Education/Outr

each, 

Economics, 

Quality, and 

others

• Adjusted 

guidelines:

Renewed 

Charter and 

Guidelines for 

NCPN national 

governance.

• Tier I 

Governing 

Board: Roles 

and duties 

reviewed, 

revisited, 

revised.

• Federal 

Coordinators:

Roles and 

duties 

reviewed, 

revisited, 

revised.

• More versatile, 

efficient group

• Efficient, timely 

decision making

• FY 2022

2. NCPN Tier II 

Specialty Crop 

Group 

Leadership and 

Administration: 

Review NCPN 

Tier II specialty 

crop leadership 

structures and 

explore 

advanced models 

for FY 2021-

2025; propose 

adjustments.

• Tier I leadership

• Leadership of 

initiative 

committees 

such as 

Education/Outr

each, 

Economics, 

Quality, and 

others

• Adjusted 

guidelines:

Renewed 

Charter and 

Guidelines for 

NCPN national 

governance.

• More versatile, 

efficient group

• Efficient, timely 

decision making

• FY 2022
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 32

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.1

(continued)

NCPN Program 

Governance: 

Assess and 

ascertain NCPN 

Governance 

and 

Administration 

needs for FY 

2021-2025.

3. NCPN 

Dedicated 

Professionals 

Cadre: Plan, 

develop, and 

implement a 

program of 

professionals 

dedicated to 

long and short 

term NCPN 

program 

administration; 

focusing on 

comprehensive 

program 

coordination, 

institutional 

memory and 

advocacy, and 

special projects 

advancement.

• Tier I/II 

leadership

• Funding 

• Professional 

Cadre Plan: 

Developed and 

tested

• Institutional 

Type and 

Location: 

Ascertained 

and 

established

• Stability, 

flexibility; 

independent of 

USDA personnel 

assignments

• Future leadership 

invested in the 

success of NCPN

• FY- 2021; testing

• FY 2023: 

implementation
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2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 33

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.2

Governing 

Bodies:

Accommodate 

governance for 

new crops, 

including 

funded 

members and 

non-funded 

members.

1. New Crop 

Governing 

Bodies:

Establish 

efficient 

processes to 

govern new, 

minor crops 

entering the 

Network

• Processes used 

in the 

incorporation 

of more recent 

crops such as 

Rose and 

Sweet Potato 

into NCPN 

• Governing Bodies 

Established: New 

governing body 

structures 

established to 

manage new, 

including minor, 

crops in NCPN

• Efficient and 

appropriate 

governance for 

new, including 

minor, crops

• Template 

developed FY 

2021

2. New Crop 

Criteria: 

Establish, 

publish, and 

periodically 

review criteria 

under which 

new crops may 

enter the 

Network and 

under which 

existing crops 

may effectively 

continue with 

support

• Criteria derived 

from past NCPN 

Requests for 

Proposals

• List of 

prerequisites 

from Strategic 

Planning team 

discussions

• Criteria Established 

and Published: 

New crop criteria 

developed and a 

process established 

for their 

communication 

widely within the 

Network and with 

the public

• Parameters set 

under which 

new crops may 

enter the 

Network and 

under which 

existing crops 

may continue 

to receive 

NCPN support

• Criteria 

established 

and refined FY 

2021
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2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 34

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.3

NCPN Program 

Scope: Revisit and 

re-circumscribe 

the scope and 

parameters of the 

Network with 

regular reviews 

and updates.

1. Program 

Analysis: 

Analyze 

program 

purpose and 

needs to 

determine 

boundaries; 

revisit the 

analysis 

periodically

2. Program 

Position:

Determine 

NCPN program 

place the grand 

scheme of 

related plant 

introduction/ac

cess paradigms

3. Program 

Boundaries:

Establish, 

explain, and 

communicate 

program 

boundaries

• Analysis of 

program 

boundaries 

and 

opportunities 

as suggested 

by the NCPN 

Governing 

Board (Tier 1) 

and national 

program 

Coordinators

• Analysis by 

Tier 2 

Governing 

bodies of 

program 

boundaries 

and 

opportunities

• Analysis:

Conducted, 

assessed, and 

understood

• Position: Place 

of NCPN as a 

program well 

defined

• Boundaries:

Understood

and 

Communicated

• Clear 

internal and 

external 

understandi

ng of critical 

role that 

NCPN plays 

and its 

relationship 

to allied 

initiatives.

• FY 2021 –

Circumscription 

baseline set 

under the NCPN 

Strategic Plan FY 

2021 – 2025

• FY 2021 –

ongoing periodic 

analysis of 

opportunities 

and boundaries
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2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 35

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.4

Clean Plant 

Specialty Crop 

Business Plans: 

NCPN Specialty 

Crop Groups 

and Clean 

Plant Centers 

(CPCs) develop 

Business Plans 

to ensure for 

the long-term 

financial 

stability of 

specific crops 

and centers 

within the 

Network.

1.Plan 

Templates: 

Development 

of templates 

for use in the 

development 

of plans. 

Plans 

developed at 

various levels 

for various 

purposes

• Center 

Collaboration: CPCs 

to work with each 

other to exchange 

information on 

business plan 

development

• Funding Plans:

Develop a funding 

Contingency plan 

(multiple 

levels/Network)

• Center Resource 

Inventories: Supply 

inventories for each 

center (human, 

infrastructure, 

funding (Financial 

statements, Fiscal 

contingency plans) 

plant material

• Feedback on plans 

from Tier I

• Plan 

Templates:

Develop 

business plan 

templates for 

CPC business 

plans

• Plan Focus: The 

standardization 

of plans should 

be relative to 

Tier I and 

industry needs

• Plans 

Developed:

CPC business 

plans 

developed, on 

file, and 

accessed 

annually.

• Strategic 

vision for 

center 

directors and 

the network 

membership 

(Tier I/II)

• Plans 

developed by 

NCN Tier 2 

Governing 

Bodies for the 

collective 

direction of 

their crop 

under aegis of 

NCPN

• Informed 

work plans 

• Maximize/opti

mize 

utilization of 

resources

• NCPN RFP to 

recommend 

plans in 

support of 

dedicated 

NCPN funding

• FY2021 –

templates 

developed

• FY 2022 -

Business plans 

to flow and be 

consistent 

across centers

• FY 2023 – Tier 

2 Governing 

Bodies develop 

plans to the 

NCPN crop 

level

• FY 2023 - 100% 

of centers 

follow the new 

templates and 

have a 

business plan 

by 2024 

because it is 

part of the RFP
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 36

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.4

(continued)

Clean Plant 

Specialty 

Crop 

Business 

Plans: NCPN 

Specialty 

Crop Groups 

and Clean 

Plant Centers 

(CPCs) 

develop 

Business 

Plans to 

ensure for 

the long-term 

financial 

stability of 

specific crops 

and centers 

within the 

Network.

2.Evaluations 

and Reviews:

Evaluate 

Center 

Business 

Plans and 

conduct 

program 

reviews

• Plan Reviews: CPC 

institution, Tier I/II, 

and Industry 

(advisory 

committees of 

individual CPCs) 

reviews business 

plans and provides 

feedback

• Feedback on 

plans from 

review 

panels listed 

in inputs

• CPC Plan 

Alignments:

Align 

business 

plans to 

sciencebased 

industry 

needs

• Strategic 

direction for 

center directors 

and the 

network 

membership 

(Tier I/II)

• Sustainability of 

the center

• Facilitating 

dialogue with 

stakeholders

• Improve 

collaboration 

and 

coordination 

among centers, 

maximizing 

resources

• FY 2023 – Plans 

reviewed and 

feedback 

provided

• FY 2024 –

Program 

reviews 

planned, 

organized, and 

initiated
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 37

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics 

and 

Guidelines

3.5

NCPN Plans 

Harmonization 

Strategy: In 

developing 

and 

implementing 

national, cropspecific, and 

centeroriented plans, 

as well as 

special topics 

initiatives, 

NCPN 

managers will 

strive to 

coordinate 

and harmonize 

all efforts. This 

will include 

the creation 

and 

coordination 

of technical 

proposals and 

other plans.

1. Unified 

Proposal per 

commodity:

Develop unified 

technical 

proposals and 

simplified work

plans

• Work Plans 

submitted by CPC’s 

and others for 

NCPN program 

support

• NCPN pre-proposal 

review team 

recommendations

• NCPN-Mgmt. 

Team

• Tier 2 Membership

• NCPN RFA/RFP

• Industry needs

• Written 

proposal 

completed 

through 

coordination of 

Tier II with 

their CPCs

• Annual 

proposals for 

NCPN support 

harmonized 

among CPC’s 

within a crop 

area

• Streamlined 

proposal based on 

industry needs 

• Less duplication of 

efforts and 

resources and 

enhanced 

sustainability of 

the network

FY 2021

2. Special 

Initiatives 

Plans:

Coordinated 

among special 

initiatives and 

with CPC’s

• Work Plans 

submitted by 

CPC’s and others 

for NCPN 

program support

• Annual 

proposals for 

NCPN support 

harmonized 

with CPC’s and 

with other 

special 

initiatives areas

• Coordinated 

initiative requests 

for support, 

ensuring for 

complete 

coverage with 

minimum gaps in 

needs of services 

to stakeholders

FY 2021

3. Center Specific 

Plans:

Coordinated 

among CPC’s 

within the crop

• Business Plans 

developed by 

CPC’s

• CPC Business 

Plans 

coordinated 

within a crop 

area

• CPC coordination, 

ensuring for 

complete 

coverage of 

stakeholder needs 

regardless of 

geographical 

location

FY 2023

4. Tier 2 Crop 

Plans:

Coordinated 

among the 

crops

• Business Plans 

developed by 

CPC’s

• Strategic Plans 

developed by 

other Tier 2 

specialty crop 

governing bodies

• Tier 2 Strategic 

Plans 

developed and 

harmonized 

among crops in 

NCPN

• Maximization of 

use of NCPN 

resources to 

points of most 

critical need

• Strengthening 

NCPN as a 

Network

FY 2023
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 38

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.5

(continued)

NCPN Plans 

Harmonization 

Strategy: In 

developing 

and 

implementing 

national, cropspecific, and 

centeroriented plans, 

as well as 

special topics 

initiatives, 

NCPN 

managers will 

strive to 

coordinate and 

harmonize all 

efforts. This 

will include the 

creation and 

coordination 

of technical 

proposals and 

other plans.

5. NCPN 

Strategic 

Plan:

Coordinated 

with other 

plans at 

various 

NCPN levels

• Strategic Plans 

developed by 

other Tier 2 

specialty crop 

governing bodies

• Existing NCPN 

Strategic Plan

• Advances to 

the Networks 

Strategic 

Plan as 

informed by 

various 

aspects of 

the base

• NCPN Strategic 

Plan informed 

by needs of the 

base

• FY 2023
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 39

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.6

Funding Stability: 

Identify 

complementary 

sources of 

funding to 

support and/or 

enhance clean 

plant programs.

1. Funding Source 

Analysis: Analyze 

funding sources 

and opportunities 

that are available 

outside NCPN 

including the 

establishment of 

assessments 

and/or 

endowments

• Identification 

of commoditybased 

resources, 

eligible 

capacity grants 

and other 

funding 

sources

• Identification 

of potential 

donors

• Legislative 

Support from 

State Dept. of 

Agriculture 

and 

Universities

• Support from 

grower 

associations

• Mergers 

between 

companion 

programs

• Fee for 

services 

paradigms

• CPC are 

successful in 

acquisition of 

non-NCPN 

funding

• Less 

dependence on 

a single source 

of funding

• Able to run 

operations if 

NCPN funding 

is diminished

• FY 2021 –

analysis of 

options

• CPC funding 

reliance 

from NCPN 

drops to 

50% of the 

FY2021 

level by FY 

2025
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 40

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.7

Succession 

Planning: 

Develop 

Succession 

plan 

resources; 

people, 

plants, and 

infrastructure.

1. Critical 

Position 

Identification:

Identify key 

critical 

positions 

(directors, 

technical 

leads, Network 

coordinators 

and/or 

Management 

Team) that are 

essential to

the network 

• Knowledge of 

retirement dates

• Critical KSA –

knowledge, skills, 

abilities determination:

Identify the skills, 

knowledge and 

leadership qualities 

needed for those key 

critical positions

• Available funding for 

replacements

• NCPN funds used as 

bridge funding until 

identification of 

appropriate 

replacements

• Buy-in from leadership 

team (Center Directors, 

industry, etc.) 

• Knowledge/skills 

continuity

• Center 

Succession 

Planning 

incorporated 

into the Center 

business plans

• Professional 

cadre; including 

coordinators and 

others

• CPC and Network 

stability 

• Introduction of 

novel ideas with 

the new expertise 

joining the 

Network

• Development, 

evolution of NCPN 

as an organization

• Professional 

coordination 

Team 

• FY 2021, 

on-going

2. Industry 

Support in 

Succession 

Planning: 

Identify an 

industry 

support 

group for 

coordinators 

and CPC 

Director 

positions

• Industry leadership 

buy-in

• Tier 2

• Commodity groups

• New hires align 

with industry 

needs 

• Focused support 

based on industry 

needs

• Initiate 

FY 2021, 

on-going

3. Network 

Information 

Database:

Create an 

archive of 

essential, 

core, critical 

Network 

documents 

and other 

materials

Archives:

• Centers

• Tier 1,Tier 2

• Coordinators 

(Federal/commodity)

• Education/Outreach 

team

• Special initiatives -

other

• Online database • Fewer knowledge 

gaps

• Historical 

perspective

• Institutional 

knowledge 

• Initiate 

FY 2021, 

on-going
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2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 41

NCPN Goal # 3 – Governance and Networking: (continued)

Optimize Network Resources

Objective Action Items Inputs Outputs Outcomes Metrics and 

Guidelines

3.8

Program 

Networking

: Governance 

bodies should 

meet 

regularly with 

stakeholders 

and 

networking 

groups for 

continuing 

collaboration 

and to 

engage in 

critical 

discussions 

around 

pertinent 

network and 

commodity 

topics.

1. Tier I – Conduct an 

annual proposal review 

meeting and a mid-year 

meeting. Additional 

meetings based on need 

to address network 

issues or concerns.

Conduct regularly 

scheduled video and 

teleconferences to keep 

members informed and 

to address critical and 

emerging issues.

• Critical issues from 

NCPN Federal and 

other Coordinators, 

CPC Directors, 

Industry and State 

Regulators.

• Proposals from 

Cooperators to 

inform Proposal 

review meeting.

• Meeting 

reports, 

minutes, and 

associated 

action items.

• Identification 

of action 

items, 

champions, 

and associated 

timelines for 

activity.

• Initiate FY 

2021, ongoing

2. Tier II - Conduct a 

minimum of one annual 

meeting per year to 

share/discuss NCPN 

related matters and to 

advance issues or 

concerns.

Conduct regularly 

scheduled video and 

teleconferences to keep 

members informed and 

to address critical and 

emerging issues.

• Critical issues from 

NCPN Federal and 

other Coordinators, 

CPC Directors, 

Industry and State 

Regulators.

• Proposals from 

Cooperators to 

inform Proposal 

review meeting

• Meeting 

reports, 

minutes, and 

associated 

action items.

• Identification 

of action 

items, 

champions, 

and associated 

timelines for 

activity.

• Initiate FY 

2021, ongoing

3. Cross network 

Collaboration –

Coordinate and meet as 

needed across Tier 

bodies and for special 

initiatives. 

• Critical and 

emerging issues as 

identified by 

participants.

• Meeting 

reports, 

minutes, and 

associated 

action items.

• Identification 

of action 

items, 

champions, 

and associated 

timelines for 

activity.

• Initiate FY 

2021, ongoing
Version: June 7, 2021

2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Program Implementation Guide Appendix Page 42

Document History

Document Date Description of Changes Additional Notes (as needed)

2007-05-30 Original NCPN Strategic Plan created

2020-06-22 New NCPN Strategic Plan developed 

and issued in draft

The original Strategic Plan had 

served NCPN for 13 years. 

Goals and Objectives needed to 

be revisited, renewed, and 

reissued

2021-02-26 Reformatted for visual consistency and 

ease of navigation; corrected several 

errors in text

2021-03-12 Accepted revisions of 2021-02-26. New 

version of the NCPN Strategic Plan 

issued on 2021-03-12

Document split into 2 

documents; the Strategic Plan 

proper and the Appendix

2021-03-28 Separated into 2 documents and revised 

Appendix footer to reflect unique title of 

that section

Completion of above change

2021-06-07 USDA logo applied to header of 1st page 

of Strategic Plan and 1st page of 

Appendix; contact information updated