Plant Diagnostic Clinic at EEA Juana Díaz Receives NPDN Accreditation
The Plant Diagnostic Clinic at the Juana Díaz Agricultural Experiment Station (EEA), part of the College of Agricultural Sciences (CCA) at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), has achieved accreditation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), a distinction that reaffirms its excellence in plant health diagnostics and its contribution to agricultural safety.
The achievement certifies that the unit, led by Dr. Consuelo Estévez de Jensen, professor in the Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences, meets the rigorous standards set by this program, following the implementation of a quality management system aligned with the network's criteria.
This accreditation positions the laboratory within a network of institutions recognized for their ability to accurately and promptly identify pests and diseases affecting crops, an essential component in protecting agricultural systems and natural ecosystems.
"This accreditation is an official recognition of the competence and collaboration established between the College of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). The NPDN is a network of laboratories and professionals dedicated to plant health diagnostics at Land Grant Universities, working together to support plant health and biosecurity across agricultural and natural ecosystems in the United States," said Dr. Estévez de Jensen.
She highlighted the scope of the clinic's services, both locally and internationally.
"The NPDN provides nationwide access to diagnostic capabilities, communication, coordination, and information on pest and disease diagnosis. The Diagnostic Clinic in Juana Díaz, in coordination with federal and state agencies, is recognized by phytosanitary authorities worldwide to issue reports and facilitate the export of seeds, plants, and propagation material free of diseases and pests. The National Plant Diagnostic Network administers the only accreditation program in the United States specialized in plant health diagnostic laboratories. The Accreditation Program ensures that laboratories meet quality and professionalism standards, strengthening their capacity to perform timely and accurate diagnostics while reducing the risk of establishment and spread of exotic pathogens and pests," she added.
For her part, Dr. Lynette E. Orellana Feliciano, interim dean of the CCA, underscored the significance of this achievement in strengthening the College's academic and service mission.
"This accreditation represents a source of deep pride and reflects the excellence, commitment, and technical capacity of our staff. This achievement places the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the College of Agricultural Sciences among a very select group of institutions in the United States that meet the highest quality standards in plant health diagnostics. In addition to strengthening our mission of research, service, and support to the agricultural sector, it reaffirms the College of Agricultural Sciences' role as a strategic ally in protecting Puerto Rico's agriculture, biosecurity, and agricultural trade, contributing reliable diagnostics that support both local production and the export of plant material free of pests and diseases," she said.
Likewise, Dr. Miguel A. Muñoz, interim chancellor of UPRM, highlighted the impact of this accreditation for the country and for the Campus's institutional standing.
"This initiative represents a union of knowledge and will between our campuses and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. We are addressing pressing challenges that impact the health and quality of life of our people. At UPRM, we are proud to contribute our expertise in agricultural sciences, natural resource management, and environmental monitoring to protect Puerto Rico's water resources and to make decisions grounded in scientific evidence," said Muñoz.
Similarly, Dr. Zayira Jordán Conde, president of UPR, highlighted the strategic value of this achievement within the mission of the country's leading public higher education system.
"At the University of Puerto Rico, we feel deep pride in this accreditation, which recognizes the excellence and scientific rigor with which our researchers and professionals work. This achievement goes beyond the academic sphere: it strengthens our capacity to protect agriculture, support food security, and contribute to the competitiveness of a sector essential to Puerto Rico's development. It is also concrete proof of the value of our public University and of how the knowledge we generate across our campuses and units becomes solutions that directly impact our society," said Jordán Conde.
The National Plant Diagnostic Network brings together laboratories in all 50 U.S. states and territories with the goal of strengthening agricultural biosecurity through early detection of pests and diseases, as well as coordination between scientific and regulatory institutions.