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Senate passes agro-terrorism measure

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill to address the threat of agro-terrorism and protect the safety of the nation’s food supply.

The measure would integrate food, agriculture and animal and human health sectors into the Department of Homeland Security domestic preparedness policy initiatives. It is sponsored by Ag Committee chair Pat Roberts of Kansas and Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

Roberts says the spread of any deadly pathogen among livestock and plant populations would be devastating and agriculture needs to be at the table in case of an attack.  “The Securing of our Agriculture and Food Act requires the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to elevate the preparedness of the country’s food, agriculture and veterinarian systems against terrorism and high-risk events.”

The Senate’s version adds a technical correction to the House-passed bill.  It is expected that the House will approve a final version after the Memorial Day recess.