Pesticide Broadcast (Newsletter)

Stephen J. Toth, Jr., Pest Management Information Specialist
Wayne G. Buhler, Pesticide Education Specialist

Volume 16, Number 5, July 20, 2006

USDA Offers Guide to Help Agricultural Producers Protect the U.S. Food Supply

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released a guide entitled Pre-Harvest Security Guidelines and Checklist 2006 (http://www.usda.gov/documents/PreHarvestSecurity_final.pdf) to help agricultural producers enhance security at the farm level. These practical measures help to protect against natural disasters, as well as the unintentional or intentional introduction of plant or animal diseases.

"We work on many fronts to ensure that our nation continues to provide the safest food supply in the world," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner. "While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to protecting agriculture, recommendations in this guide can be beneficial to a variety of types and sizes of agricultural operations."

Food and agriculture biosecurity is an important component of USDA's mission. Improving awareness through enhanced outreach and communications is a key element of USDA's homeland security efforts. The voluntary guidelines and checklists were developed based upon recommendations made by producers throughout the United States. Guidelines have been developed for general agriculture; dairy; crops; cattle and poultry security.

This guide is the latest in a series of materials produced by USDA to bolster food and agriculture security. USDA continues to work closely with its federal, state and local government partners as well as industry stakeholders to develop sector-wide guidelines. For instance, guidance has been issued by USDA for food processors and distributors, and for agricultural transporters in coordination with the trucking industry.

Agriculture and food account for 13 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, 18 percent of its employment and $140 billion in revenue. USDA continues to work with its federal, state, local partners as well as industry in protecting the nation's agriculture and food production, from threats such as natural disasters and either the naturally occurring, intentional or unintentional introduction of diseases and pathogens as they do not respect geographic borders. The interconnected global food system contributes to our nation's economic strength by improving production and marketing efficiency and providing timely responses to consumer needs.

USDA's local Farm Service Agency Service Centers are distributing the Pre-Harvest Security Guidelines and Checklist 2006 to agricultural producers throughout the country. For more information about USDA's homeland security efforts, go to www.usda.gov/homelandsecurity.

Source: U. S. Department of Agriculture News Release No. 0245.06, July 12, 2006

Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a covenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in your county.

Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Last modified on July 20, 2006 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.