Understanding Food System Vulnerabilities Through Simulation Modeling (January 15th, 2026)
The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions to the U.S. and global economies, including labor shortages and food supply chain breakdowns that profoundly affected producers and consumers alike. In response, the Western Institute for Food Safety & Security (WIFSS) at UC Davis partnered with MOSIMTEC to better understand food system vulnerabilities in California and explore how simulation modeling can help anticipate and mitigate future disruptions.
This proof-of-concept project applied simulation modeling to assess the potential impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1—a virus that devastated the poultry industry and has recently spread to dairy farms. Developed using MOSIMTEC’s modeling expertise, the simulation focused on production dynamics, economic variability, and behavioral factors over time on a small dairy operation.
While limited in scope, this work demonstrates how disease simulations can serve as powerful tools for evaluating and planning responses to outbreaks. Future expansion could enable industry-wide assessments of production and economic impacts. Join us to learn how risk-based modeling approaches can inform preparedness and strengthen the resilience of our food systems.
Register for the webinar or watch a recording at: Center Events & Activities – Southwest Regional Food Business Center
At MOSIMTEC, we expertly guide clients — from pharma to farming, from climate change to change management — through simulation modeling so they get the MOST knowledge, the MOST insight, and the MOST intelligent answers to Future Proof their Business.
For additional information or to schedule a meeting with MOSIMTEC staff, please contact contact@mosimtec.com or visit mosimtec.com.
About MOSIMTEC (https://mosimtec.com)
MOSIMTEC is a professional services firm that empowers businesses to make better decisions. There is a lot of change in the world today. From climate change to supply chains; just-in-time to real-time; automation to innovation; workforce to world events … businesses are struggling to ‘quantify’ the impact of these changes and assess their risk exposure. MOSIMTEC helps companies explore every option by expertly guiding them along the simulation modeling and digital twin continuum, so businesses aren’t just ready for change, they embrace it.