Ag Symposium

Monitoring Emergent Plant and Animal Diseases for Food Security in the Americas

Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 9 a.m. CST | Virtual Symposium

Join Lincoln University Cooperative Extension for an international symposium exploring emerging plant and animal pests and diseases and their impact on food security throughout the Americas.

This symposium is part of the Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD), an initiative designed to strengthen international agricultural partnerships, support agricultural integrity in developing countries and bring researchers together to address emerging threats to plant and animal health.

As global trade continues to connect agricultural economies, pests and diseases affecting one country can have far-reaching consequences for food production, trade and food security worldwide. This symposium will bring together researchers, agricultural professionals and international partners to share knowledge, explore emerging challenges and identify opportunities for collaboration.

The program will feature experts and participants from the United States and Latin America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Costa Rica and Honduras.

Symposium Schedule

9:15 a.m. – Fall Armyworm
Dr. Jorge Maltos
Entomologist, INIFAP Laguna, Mexico

10 a.m. – Exotic Fruit Flies
Dr. Eduardo Salinas
USDA APHIS, USA

10:45 a.m. – USDA APHIS Career Choices: Moderated Panel Discussion
Moderator: Dr. Jessica Epple-Farmer
Panelist: USA

1 p.m. – Rabies in Herbivores
Dr. Byron Thomae
Ministry of Agriculture, Guatemala

1:45 p.m. – Bovine Tuberculosis
Dr. Mark Camacho
USDA APHIS, USA

2:30 p.m. – Emerging Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases: Moderated Panel Discussion
Moderator: Dr. Homero Salinas
Panelists: USA, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia

All presentation times are Central Standard Time (CST).

Join us for a day of international collaboration and discussion focused on protecting agricultural systems and strengthening food security across the Americas.

Registration is required to join the virtual symposium. Click here to register.

Tennessee State University

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC)

West Virginia State University

Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala — Centro Universitario

Delaware State University

Lincoln University Cooperative Extension

Central State University

Accessibility

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for people with disabilities and special needs. To make arrangements, please contact Dr. Jessica Epple-Farmer at EppleJ@LincolnU.edu.