Following the successful International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) symposia on moringa in the Philippines, South Africa, and Brazil, the IV International Symposium on Moringa (ISM2027) makes its landmark debut in the United States.
Hosted at San Diego's WorldBeat Cultural Center, this symposium bridges cutting-edge scientific innovation with community-led solutions, industrial scale-up, and ecological restoration. This year, we explore moringa's role as a “smart crop”—reaching beyond its value in health and nutrition to include industrial uses as a livestock feed, fertilizer, and biopesticide. Moringa is a vital and economically viable tool for addressing food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate action in California and across the globe.
ISHS Groups Involved:
ISHS Division Horticulture for Human Health
ISHS Working Group Moringa
Core Symposium Pillars
1. Health, Nutrition & Food Security
Moringa is a cornerstone for addressing global malnutrition and wellness. We will explore:
Nutritional Bioavailability: Strategies to maximize nutrient density for human health.
Biomedical & Phytochemical Research: Investigating therapeutic properties and bioactive compounds for modern medicine.
Resilient Food Systems: Leveraging moringa to ensure stable, nutrient-dense food sources for vulnerable populations.
2. Agro-Industrial & Ecological Frontiers
Addressing the shift toward sustainable industrial applications and environmental stewardship:
Regenerative Agriculture: Utilizing moringa-based biofertilizers and biopesticides to restore soil health.
Livestock & Aquaculture: Developing high-protein, sustainable feed for cows, goats, and fish.
Biodiversity & Pollinators: Examining the plant's critical role in supporting bee populations and local ecosystems.
Climate Action: Quantifying moringa's extraordinary capacity for Carbon Sequestration.
3. Economic Integration & Market Development
A dedicated Moringa Market Exchange will bridge the gap between science and commerce:
Value-Chain Optimization: Creating a platform for producers and buyers to coordinate and streamline supply chains.
Commercial Scaling: Strategies for marketing moringa commodities across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Investment & Infrastructure: Fostering growth in processing and value-added product development.
ISHS YOUNG MINDS AWARDS
During each ISHS Symposium two ISHS Young Minds Awards for junior scientists will be given:
one award for the best oral presentation given by a junior scientist who is in the same time the presenter and first author of the submitted manuscript
one award for the best poster presented by a junior scientist who is first author of the work
For more information on how to participate: https://ishs.org/young-minds-award/
Who Should Attend?
Scientists & Researchers
Specialists in botany, clinical nutrition, and environmental science.
Industry Leaders
Producers, buyers, and innovators in the agrifood and health sectors.
Policy Makers & NGOs
Representatives from CDFA, USDA, and climate agencies.
Community Leaders
& Students
Farmers, educators, advocates for local food sovereignty, and emerging scholars in Ethnobotany, Public Policy, and Climate Mitigation.
Program at a Glance
October 6th, 2027
Welcome Reception
Opening ceremony and evening networking dinner.
October 7th, 2027
Health & Agricultural Applications
Expert keynotes on research, nutrition, and sustainability.
October 8th, 2027
Commercial Innovation & Culture
Market exchange sessions and events featuring traditional plant knowledge.
October 9th, 2027
Field Excursion
Guided tours of local farms featuring industrial demonstrations.
Scientific Leadership
Invited Experts Include:
Ted Radovich (Hawaii, USA)
Mark Olson (Mexico)
Tim Motis -(Florida, USA)
Researchers from UC Davis, UC Ag & Natural Resources (UCANR)
Scientific Committee:
Carrie Waterman (California, USA)
Arthur Begliomini (Brazil)
Registration
Registration fee includes conference access, selected meals and tours. All fees are in US Dollars (USD). Online attendees can attend virtually- with access to present and listen to other talks. All registration fees include access to the electronic version of the Acta Horticulturae symposium proceedings.
ISHS members can benefit from a discounted ISHS registration fee. Check https://ishs.org/members/ for info on ISHS membership and https://ishs.org/ishs-membership-benefits/ for info on ISHS membership benefits.
ISHS Member Registration
$500
ISHS Member Online Registration
$120
Non-ISHS Member Registration
$620
Non-ISHS Member Online Registration
$240
Student Registration
$300
Table Exhibition
$500
Attendee Registration Information
Venue
WorldBeat Cultural Center
Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the WorldBeat Cultural Center is a vibrant hub for multicultural arts and community engagement — the perfect setting for a global symposium.