Excellence in Regulatory Affairs and Crop Security

The newly established Excellence in Regulatory Affairs and Crop Security Award recognizes outstanding contributions to regulatory plant pathology, crop security, and trade enhancement efforts by APS members. “Crop” is defined as a non-animal species or variety grown for food, livestock fodder, ornamental, silvicultural, fuel, or any other economic purpose. Individuals or groups eligible for the award include members that are federal, state, university, extension, and industry plant pathologists, molecular biologists, best management practices teams, and risk assessment specialists. Those nominated would be individuals or teams (led by an APS member) that have measurably contributed to an aspect of regulatory plant pathology and crop security by the following:

1. Developing/ implementing ideas, concepts, or methods to creatively address crop security and regulatory problems;
2. Developing/ implementing ideas, concepts, or methods to enhance early warning/detection of emerging disease events with consequences at the local, state, or federal level;
3. Implementing science-based methods that facilitate, enable, or provide scientific support for specific regulatory policies;
4. Formulating procedures or policies that lead to reduction of regulatory workload while facilitating trade;
5. Reducing or eliminating negative financial impacts due to regulatory/trade restrictions and activities on industry;
6. Reducing risks associated with commodity imports; and/or
7. Opening new export opportunities for agricultural, ornamental, or forest products; and
8. Developing and implementing academic or extension programs in regulatory and crop security.

When nominating an individual or group for this award, examples of the following supporting information should be included:

1. Completed and implemented best management program procedures;
2. Pest risk assessments linked to positive changes in a significant regulatory program;
3. Documentation of the development and implementation of methods or procedures for early indicators, warning, rapid detection, and/or identification of a pathogen of regulatory concern;
4. Training materials used in an implemented program to teach detection and identification methods of target plant pathogens;
5. Documentation of cost savings to regulatory agencies or a commodity industry as a direct result of the implemented plan or procedure; and
6. Documentation of peer-reviewed research articles supporting any of the above information also will be taken into consideration.

Award Winners: