Southern Ag Center

Scientists and professionals who are working on the frontlines Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity research will gather at Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LA on November 9-10, 2010, to uncover potential threats to our nation’s natural resources and agriculture. They will participate in the university Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium.

“This symposium features presentations and demonstrations from researchers at universities, federal and state agencies who are monitoring high consequence plant pathogens, insect pests, invasive weeds that threaten our nation’s food security and renewable natural resources,” says Daniel Collins, professor of plant pathology and symposium organizer.

“Because U.S. crop production and forest ecosystems are vulnerable to deliberate and naturally occurring plant pathogens and pests capable of causing significant economic damage, plant biosecurity protects plants from exotic pathogens or pests whether they are introduced intentionally by an agro-terrorist, accidentally, or by natural means,” says Collins. Food security can be defined as availability of food and having sufficient resources to obtain it. Global losses due to plant diseases can have a significant impact on food security by causing hunger and restrictions on international trade of commodities. This event is a key factor in preparing professionals in defending the nation and preparing students for global food security and plant biosecurity positions. “This is an important venue to network with scientists and professionals to address research, educational, and career opportunities.”

The symposium is free and open to the public and media. Registration form, locations and schedules are posted online at http://www.urbanforestry.subr.edu/biosecurity.htm

Workshop topics include:

Sudden Oak Death: A Threat to Our Forest Ecosystems
Strategies for Safeguarding American Plant Resources
Food Biosecurity and Fresh Produce Safety
Agro-Forestry Systems and Food Security
Exotic Pest Detection in Urban Environments
Mycotoxins and Food Safety

Participating in the symposium are representatives from the USDA ARS, FSIS, and APHIS PPQ offices, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry - Horticulture and Quarantine Programs, US Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Louisiana State University, Alabama A & M University, Florida A & M University, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, and Pennsylvania State universities.

Background
Disruption of US agriculture by unintentional or intentional release of high risk plant pathogens would be catastrophic to the US/global economies and stability. Preparedness is a critical strategy in defending the nation against intentional or unintentional release of exotic plant pathogens that pose a threat to plants (crops) important to our nation’s agriculture. Many reports have addressed the need to provide more post baccalaureate training, and experiential learning in plant health management at the U.S. Land-Grant universities to counter the threat of high risk plant pathogens to our nation’s agriculture. Land-Grant Institutions, such as Southern University and A&M College, are key components in training the next generation of scientists and professionals in global food security and plant biosecurity to protect our nation’s domestic food supply, and renewable natural resources.

The Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium is sponsored by a grant awarded to Collins by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture 1890 Teaching Capacity Building Grants Program for Graduate Education and Training in Global Food Security and Agricultural Bio-Security.

Download the program here

For more information, please contact: Daniel Collins at (225) 771-2242 or daniel_collins@subr.edu

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