To coordinate transnational research programmes, by developing a common strategic research agenda
To fund collaborative research projects in the phytosanitary area, through annual or bi-annual rounds of calls
To support and complement other plant health initiatives, funding programmes, ERA-NETs etc.
To provide scientific evidence to support EU policy, and advising the Council Working Party of Chief Officers of Plant Health Services (COPHS)
To optimise and make best use of limited national plant health research resources by avoiding duplication and overlapping and to achieve the best use of research outputs