In an effort to further examine threats facing America's agriculture and food supply from agroterrorism, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) convened a panel of experts to analyze the topic during a recent congressional hearing for the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
Strong, chairman of the subcommittee, led the discussion. He warned that agriculture was a "tempting target for hostile actors."
"The importance of our nation's agricultural assets to both our economy and national security cannot be overstated," said Strong. "'Agro-terrorists,' or those who use biological agents and other means to disrupt our food supply chain, can find success in generating mass fear, instability, and economic damage. This makes our agriculture a tempting target for hostile actors."
The congressman urged fellow legislators to swiftly pass the "Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act." The bill, led by Strong, would block farmland purchases by adversaries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
"It's common sense to protect our food and fiber supply chain and prevent foreign adversaries from using our farmland as a base for operations that threaten our homeland security. I hope that the relevant Committees of jurisdiction take up the bill without delay," he said.
Those on the panel addressing agroterrorism included Daniel K. Wims, Ph.D., president of Alabama A&M University, and Cris Young, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, COL USA (Ret.), professor of practice at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University.
"To frame the problem succinctly, if the United States ever goes to war with an adversary, food and water will be as important as traditional military concerns, such as submarines or missiles," Young stressed.
Strong also took the lead on the "DHS Biodetection Improvement Act" and the "Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act," both of which have passed the House of Representatives.
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