Noon Lions learn about agro-terrorism

September 07, 2008 12:38 am

— “Understanding the Agro-terrorism Threat” was the topic at a recent meeting of the Stillwater Noon Lions Club.
Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension, defined agro-terrorism as “the use of biological, chemical or radiological weapons against some component of agriculture to negatively impact the agricultural industry, the economy or the consuming public.”
Agriculture is a relatively soft target for terrorists who have a political agenda, according to Peel. Terrorists’ actions can cause physical harm and destruction to property and endanger human health. Because the food and fiber sector of the U.S. economy consists of 12 percent of the GDP and 16.7 percent of employment, attacks can destabilize the economy, damage industry and create unrest and lack of confidence in government.
Animal and plant diseases not present in the North American continent can present serious agricultural problems.
“Plant diseases such as corn or rice blight or black stem rust can stop our trade in the affected grain crops. Animal diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, avian influenza or swine fever, can dramatically impact trade. Large concentrated animal operations pose a very high risk,” Peel said.
Oklahoma could become a target of this threat because it is a major agricultural state containing 83,300 farms with $4.7 billion value of production. Oklahoma has $989 million in crops and $3.72 billion in livestock.
The state is also a major transportation crossroad. Many animals, like cattle, swine, horses, sheep and goats, are transported long distances for auctions. Agricultural markets are complex, affecting farms, food processors, exports, wholesalers, grocers and consumers.
Domestic threats may come from radical animal rights groups (PETA, ALF), radical environmental groups (ELF), retaliation from disgruntled employees, accidental introduction or naturally occurring events.
Emergency management process for agro-terrorism is the same as for any disaster, Peel said. This involves mitigating actions to reduce the impact of the hazard, preparedness to facilitate an effective response and actions to save property and lives, restore health and return to normal activities.
“Knowledge is power in preventing a terrorist attack. We need to know what to expect and how to deal with it to reduce terror shock value and decrease our vulnerability,” Peel said.