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The National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) plays a critical role in decreasing the negative impacts of viruses spreading via distribution of propagative material. In the world of temperate tree fruit, the high costs associated with virus introduction have been illustrated recently in the story of <i>Plum pox virus</i> (PPV), first detected in North America in 1999 in Pennsylvania. Although the route of introduction has never been proven, it is assumed to have entered as infected plant material. Intensive survey indicated that the virus was confined to a relatively small area, so an eradication plan was implemented. The eradication goal was achieved – but only after ten years, $53 million dollars, and the destruction of 1600 acres of stone fruit orchards. The mission of the NCPN is to produce and distribute virus-tested stock. Because industry is a vital part of the network, the system is constantly adapted to meet industry needs, making it less tempting to move untested stock that may harbor virus. Because the NCPN supports strong communication among virologists, USDA, state certification personnel, and growers, it is uniquely suited to uncover new viruses making their way into the nursery stream. The NCPN also draws together a group that could be quickly mobilized for virus surveillance activities, if needed. For each PPV introduction that is prevented by the work of the NCPN, the network is paid for ten times over.<p><p>Keywords: