A bipartisan bill to address the threat of agro-terrorism has been signed into law.
The bill was introduced by Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts and Democrat Claire McCaskill of Missouri. It will work to ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply. Roberts says agriculture is the backbone of the U.S. economy and the spread of any deadly pathogen within the livestock and plant sectors would cause irreparable damage.
The Securing our Agriculture and Food Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs to lead the government’s efforts to secure the nation’s food, agriculture, and veterinary systems against high-risk events.
It also authorizes collaboration with other agencies to ensure the food, ag, animal and human health sectors are integrated into Homeland Security’s domestic preparedness policy initiatives.
Companion legislation was introduced by Representatives David Young of Iowa, Donald Payne, Jr of New Jersey, and Dan Donovan of New York.
Source: brownfieldagnews.com