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Cheaper and more efficient shipping and communications technologies and growing consumer demand have led a surge in global trade in the past half-century. During the past 50 years the growth in air travel passenger numbers increased approximately 9% per annum. Since 1993, shipping traffic has increased by 27%. In addition, agricultural exports have increased in value from US $ 568 billion in 1998 to US $ 1.128 trillion in 2007, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO 2008).

Invasive species (non-native, harmful organisms) undermine human health and safety, food and water security, and economic development. Consequently, invasive species can have significant socio-economic impacts and warrant attention as a public policy priority. Trade and travel are the primary drivers of biological invasion both into and within the United States and prevention measures have been identified as the most cost-effective means of minimizing the introduction and thus impact of invasive species.