The goal of the review was to propose specific recommendations on how to improve PPQ's ability to protect domestic plant resources from exotic pests. A committee was formed to address each of these four major review areas. We felt that the basis for any safeguarding system was a method of identifying international pests of concern to the United States. Knowledge of such pests and their impacts would enable scientists and regulators to effectively assess their risk and plan for the mitigation of their impacts. So the International Pest Information Committee was asked to identify the best way to gather intelligence to maximize the efficacy of the safeguarding system.
Pest exclusion is the core of America's safeguarding system.
An increase in international trade has caused American ports of entry to be overloaded with materials that could carry foreign pests. Inspection of such materials at the ports appeared to be an overwhelming task. So the Pest Exclusion Committee was asked to identify what is the best way that offshore activities can maximize the efficacy of the safeguarding system. In other words, how could we best stop foreign pests before they entered our ports. In addition they were asked to identify what are the most effective activities to exclude pests at the ports.