Any business organisation that wants to remain relevant in a fast-changing world needs to keep up to date with developments in all the spheres that have an impact on its activities. As a national competent authority, a regulatory agency, and a public sector service provider, the Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) is no exception. It is for this reason that one of the core functions of the PPD is that of research and policy development in connection with the themes which fall within its remit and scope of interest. This includes many aspects of plant health, genetic resources, official controls, timber, forestry, plant variety rights, tissue culture, virology, entomology, bacteriology, nematology, laboratory testing and diagnosis, quality control, marketing of plants and plant material, seed purity, pest risk assessment, border controls, outbreaks, surveillance, propagation, etc.
Officers from the PPD participate in meetings at EU and international levels where the latest developments in these areas are discussed. Apart from being informed of the latest news in research and development and innovation, the officers also have the opportunity to add specific considerations of national concern to the pan-European assessment and proposals. This process is particularly important in the drawing up of new legislation that can have significant impacts on the operations of Maltese businesses.
The research and policy development cycle relies on a careful and thorough examination of local situations. This type of study serves as a reference for the development of policies, guidelines and codes that are useful, relevant and specific to the needs of the local industry.