The Role of Plant Agricultural Practices on Development of Antimicrobial Resistant Fungi Affecting Human Health

Antifungal use in plant agriculture is a widespread practice necessary to safeguard food safety and security. While the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, knowledge gaps exist surrounding antifungal resistance, the connection to plant agriculture, and its implications for human health.

The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a workshop series in June 2022 exploring the role of plant agricultural practices in AMR development and implications for human health, with a focus on plant crop production. Sessions explored the magnitude of environmentally induced/selected antifungal resistance connected to plant agriculture, agricultural practices that may contribute to AMR in human pathogens, and strategies for surveillance and mitigation.This Proceedings document summarizes workshop discussions.