National Forum on Biological Control

Discover the Power of Biocontrol: Successes and Challenges from the Past, Present, and Future

The USDA Forest Service is leading the 3^rd National Forum on Biological Control in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the DOI Bureau of Land Management, and the University of Florida. Covering both weed and arthropod biocontrol, this conference brings together practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and colleagues from related disciplines to address the shared challenges (e.g., communication, capacity, and changing landscapes) and the opportunities that exist in this field. 

The goal of this conference is to build relationships and synergy among leaders in the biocontrol community and to propel this important discipline forward by identifying its key strengths, challenges, opportunities, and future directions. To foster thoughtful discussion, networking, and collaboration, there will be no concurrent sessions—every presentation takes place in the same room.

Each day of the conference centers on one of three main themes:

• Past Lessons and Successes
• Present Projects and Challenges
• Future Innovations to Move Biocontrol Forward

Within each theme, sessions explore biocontrol research, management, partnerships, and economic and landscape impacts. We invite anyone interested in giving an oral or poster presentation to submit an abstract by the deadline: October 31, 2026.

We look forward to seeing you in Asheville!

Sincerely,

Vanessa Lopez