Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) will conduct the '37th In-person Training Course in Preparation for the Plant Quarantine Inspector and Plant Inspector Qualification Examination' from May 11 to May 22 to cultivate specialized plant quarantine personnel.

This course was developed to prepare candidates for the qualification screening examination for plant quarantine inspectors and plant inspectors administered by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. JBNU's Graduate School of Plant Protection has been commissioned to provide specialized plant quarantine training since 2023. The training takes place at JBNU's International Convention Center.

The training program includes 23 new employees from the Agency and four trainees from the International Plant Quarantine Certification Institute. The program is designed to strengthen the practical competencies required in plant quarantine fieldwork.

Trainees study both theory and practice across various areas, including plant protection-related laws, import and export quarantine procedures, pest and disease diagnostic techniques, operation of disinfection equipment, and LMO border inspections.

In particular, the training focuses on enhancing the ability to apply skills in real quarantine settings. Those who pass the qualification examination taken after completing the training are granted plant quarantine inspector certification and are subsequently assigned to quarantine posts at airports, seaports, and inland locations nationwide, where they will carry out import and export agricultural product quarantine and activities to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases.

Choi Jeong-rok, Director-General of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, said, "Plant quarantine is the frontline in protecting national agriculture and ecosystems, so the role of quarantine personnel with expertise and field response capabilities is more important than ever. I hope this training will serve as an opportunity to enhance practical skills and to develop quarantine experts who earn public trust."

Choi Nak-jin, Director of JBNU's Graduate School of Plant Protection (Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), stated, "Through this training, we will continuously cultivate specialized quarantine personnel equipped with field response capabilities and faithfully fulfill our role as a key educational institution for the development of plant quarantine professionals."