What is a "pest risk analysis" (PRA)?

A "pest risk analysis" (PRA) is a systematic process for evaluating pest-related risks, focusing on identifying and assessing the potential threats that pests pose to plants, plant products, and the environment. The PRA involves analyzing various factors, including the biological and ecological characteristics of pests, their pathways of introduction and spread, and the potential impact they could have on agriculture and ecosystems if they were to become established in a new area.

This systematic approach includes steps like identifying the pest, assessing its potential distribution, evaluating its economic and environmental consequences, and determining the likelihood of its introduction and establishment. The goal of a PRA is to inform decision-making regarding pest management and to create measures to mitigate risks effectively, ensuring trade and phytosanitary safety.

In contrast, calculating pest population numbers, assessing pesticide efficacy, and reviewing market trends are distinct activities that do not encompass the comprehensive nature of a pest risk analysis, which focuses specifically on evaluating risks associated with pests themselves rather than broader agricultural or market dynamics.