About the European and Mediterranean
Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)

Download a short description
of EPPO (pdf)
English- French

What is EPPO?

An intergovernmental organization responsible for European cooperation in plant protection in the European and Mediterranean region. Under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), EPPO is the regional plant protection organization (RPPO) for Europe.
-> Read EPPO's mission, goals and strategy for 2006-2009

EPPO members (50 countries)

Founded in 1951, EPPO has grown from 15 original members to today's 50 member countries, including nearly every country in the European and Mediterranean region.

Get more information about EPPO member countries:

National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs),
Contact points,
Phytosanitary regulations,
EPPO meeting places,
useful web sites.

click to enlarge this map

Current EPPO member countries are shown in green
(click on the map to enlarge it)

In the Euro-Mediterranean region, EPPO has also established many contacts with the phytosanitary authorities for the European Union and potential EPPO member countries.

EPPO's objectives

Develop an international strategy against the introduction and spread of pests that damage cultivated and wild plants, in natural and agricultural ecosystems (including invasive alien plants - read more)
Encourage harmonization of phytosanitary regulations and all other areas of official plant protection action
Promote the use of modern, safe, and effective pest control methods
Provide a documentation service on plant protection

EPPO's activities

Setting regional standards for phytosanitary measures and plant protection products.
Organizing Working Party and Panel meetings bringing together experts from all parts of the EPPO region.
Participating in global activities related to phytosanitary measures coordinated by the IPPC Secretariat within FAO.
Organizing international conferences and workshops for plant protection researchers, managers of plant protection organizations, phytosanitary inspectors.
Publishing the journal Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin, the EPPO Reporting Service, providing an electronic documentation service, distributing database systems.

EPPO's structure

EPPO is administered by its Executive Committee (seven Governments elected on a rotational basis, meeting twice a year), under the control of its Council (representatives of all member goverments, meeting once a year) headed by a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman, elected as individuals.
The technical work of the Organization is done by the Panels of experts, under the supervision of the Working Parties. Experts are nominated by their National Plant Protection Organizations.
A Secretariat (permanent staff of EPPO working at the headquarters in Paris) is headed by a Director-General (Mr Nico van Opstal) and Assistant Director (Ms F. Petter).

Get more information about EPPO bodies:

EPPO Convention

The Convention for the establishment of EPPO was signed on 18 April 1951. It has since been amended several times by Council. The last amendments were agreed in September 1999, and had the principal aim of taking due account of the New Revised Text of the IPPC.
The text in force can be viewed here (html) or downloaded in English, French and Russian (pdf files).

About the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)