Biosecure Global Food Value Chains

Abstract

Biosecurity protocols safeguard the world’s food supply by preventing harmful organisms entering a territory in which they are currently absent, on the grounds that they could multiply and become a hazard—to the health of plants and animals, irrespective of whether they are destined to be eaten or processed. There are many such examples. Potato blight came from the USA into Ireland and decimated the staple food crop. There are many more potential biological threats that can be identified, such as the African weaver bird, but there are many more that we do not know about. Constant vigilance and appropriate action pre-border, at border and post-border is the only way to avoid the risk of introduction, establishment and spread of a biosecurity threats to food value chains. For this reason, we suggest that international action should be taken to ensure that the biosecurity protocols of all nations are equally effective and uniformly implemented with the highest level of vigilance. There are also other approaches. For instance, those people who are employed to travel around their neighbourhoods, regions, or the world visiting farms and areas of native vegetation should be aware that their clothing and footwear could be contaminated. It is their responsibility to take appropriate action to avoid the transfer of unwanted organisms from one place to another. In doing so, overtly, they will draw the attention of others who are less diligent or who are oblivious of the risks. Biosecurity of food value chain is an essential component of global food security strategy in this era of globalisation.