About NPDN

Who we are

We are a network of plant health diagnostic professionals and laboratories committed to providing high-quality diagnostic services to our clients and stakeholders, while surveilling for threats to U.S. plant health.

NPDN is a key component of the U.S. national biosecurity system, built on the national extension service to connect the plant diagnostic community. NPDN supports the U.S. plant diagnostic community with networking and professional development opportunities, accreditation, and partnerships that strengthen diagnostic expertise, quality, and the communication of detection information nationwide.

Our Mission

To protect plant health and biosecurity in U.S. agricultural and natural ecosystems by promoting nationwide diagnostic capacity, expertise, quality, and partnerships, and curating national pest and disease detection data to support informed decision-making.

Our history

Prior to September 11, 2001, information on pest and disease introductions was scattered, and communications on new outbreaks were poorly coordinated and inadequate. The country’s agricultural enterprise was vulnerable and largely unprotected. NPDN was established in 2002 by USDA-NIFA and the Office of Homeland Security to enhance agricultural biosecurity by detecting instances of biological attacks. Read more history of NPDN

Vision

A nationally coordinated plant biosecurity system that advances early detection, effective communication, and rapid response to plant health threats through diagnostic excellence, data curation and analysis, strategic partnerships, diagnostician networking, and a highly skilled workforce.

Quality diagnostics

Enhance national diagnostic capability through training, collaboration, laboratory quality system accreditation, and the adoption of advanced diagnostic methods.

Workforce Development

Provide professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities to strengthen the diagnostic capabilities and expertise of current and future diagnosticians.

Communication

Expand networking and strategic partnerships among university, state, and federal agencies, to support timely and effective information exchange and coordination.

Data Integration

Collect and curate nationwide pest and pathogen information to support diagnostics, the identification and communication of new detections and emerging threats, and facilitate data-driven decision-making.