The 20th century was marked by the increased use of pesticides to manage pests; the boom and bust cycles of genetic resistance to microbial pests, resistance to pesticides and the development of new tools such as integrated pest management and biotechnology to manage and identify pests. This paper presents an overview of recent developments and trends in the plant protection industry, government and other organisations in relation to future management of pests and diseases, the role of genetically modified crops, networking, and the future training requirements for plant protection officers, especially in Papua New Guinea.