Agrosecurity

Well-being of Agriculture

If an agricultural disaster were to occur, either from terrorism or other causes, few people are trained to recognize the incident or know how to properly respond. Additionally agro-terrorism presents unique problems to the emergency management network and to those who work in agriculture-related business that can be minimized if potential responders are properly trained. Agro-Security Awareness training was provided for law enforcement, first responders, veterinarians, emergency management, public works, and government personnel in locations throughout Georgia by UGA Cooperative Extension. The training included information stressing the economic importance of agriculture and food, examples of potential problems, how to recognize those problems and what to do if a problem was found. More than 66 people from Madison County and surrounding counties were trained in one of these sessions. These individuals are now aware of possible threats to agriculture and the economic impact of those threats. The participants are also trained in what to do and who to call if an agricultural incident ever occurs. As one student said, "Though we cannot always predict when or where an agro-terrorism incident may occur, it is critical to the survival of our communities that we be prepared to handle any such event that should come up."

Source: Carl Varnadoe, Madison County (2006)

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