On March 22nd, the 2023-2024 Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting of the MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Biosafety, jointly hosted by the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), and CABI East Asia and Southeast Asia Center, was held at the IPPCAAS. Lu Yanhui, Director General of IPPCAAS, Ulrich Kuhlmann, Executive Director of CABI Global Operations, Zhang Qiaoqiao, Membership Director, Hariet Hinz, Global Director Invasive, and Zhang Feng, Director of CABI East and Southeast Asia Center, attended the meeting. Liu Wende, Deputy Director General of IPPCAAS, presided over the opening ceremony.

In his address, Lu Yanhui highlighted the strengthened collaboration between CABI and China over the past few years, particularly through the work of the MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory. He emphasized significant achievements in joint talent development, project development, as well as platform construction. The TAG meeting of the MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory will facilitate in-depth discussions on the progress of collaborative projects and future development plans, holding pivotal significance for the smooth operation and sustained growth of the MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory. Ulrich Kuhlmann remarked on the fruitful outcomes achieved since the establishment of the MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory 15 years ago, especially in advancing South-South cooperation and international talent cultivation. He pinpointed the prudent selection and use of pesticides as a key measure to reduce pesticide risks, effectively safeguarding farmers, consumers, and ecosystems from the adverse effects of pesticides, thereby ensuring the sustainable food security. Both sides reached a consensus on continuing to expand their partnership in the field of plant biosafety, promoting cooperation under initiatives such as the Chinese agricultural sectors "Going Global" strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as South-South cooperation.

During the meeting, scientists supported by various projects from the MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory reported and engaged in in-depth discussions on the progress of projects related to biological control technology development, management of invasive species, and Plantwise. Secretaries from the European laboratory and various sub-centers of the Joint Laboratory presented progress reports and annual plans. The TAG expert group reviewed the progress and work reports for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, discussing and updating the composition and responsibilities of the TAG, with a clear emphasis on strengthening cooperation in areas such as pesticide risk reduction, mycotoxin contamination, and “One Health”.

Over 20 experts from various institutions, including the CABI East Asia and Southeast Asia Center, CABI Switzerland Center, IPPCAAS, Yunnan Agricultural University, Institute of Plant Protection and Quality Safety of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Institute of Plant Protection of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences attended the meeting.