The Colombian Agricultural Institute (I.C.A.) has enacted the National Plan for the Prevention, Surveillance, and Control of Foc TR4 across the entire national territory, per resolution 2081 of 2024. This initiative aims to shield and bolster Colombia's banana and plantain sector against Foc TR4, a substantial phytosanitary threat capable of causing plant death and jeopardizing the country's food security.

The plan delivers a thorough revision of phytosanitary measures, amalgamating five preceding administrative actions associated with the prevention, surveillance, and control of Foc TR4. This consolidation allows users to review the regulatory framework in a single document more conveniently.

Furthermore, the plan facilitates the execution of biosafety measures in plantain and banana plantations nationwide. This significant transformation in existing phytosanitary measures enables small and medium-sized producers to penetrate new international markets and enhance their competitiveness. Juan Fernando Roa, I.C.A.'s General Manager, underscored I.C.A.'s dedication to the Colombian Musaceae sector. He emphasized that the production of plantains and bananas in Colombia is a crucial employment source and significantly contributes to rural community development. Lastly, the resolution stipulates specific phytosanitary measures for various stakeholders in the Musaceae production system's value chain. This ensures more effective protection for plantain and banana production, both domestically and for export. It also aids in fortifying the country's food security and safeguarding farmers against the potential economic losses this disease may inflict.