by Lance T. Izumi, Fellow in California Studies
Pacific Research Institute
October 16, 2001

Announcer lead: Time for Perspectives. Lance Izumi says that agroterrorism may be the most fearful type of biological terrorism that we face.

In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks and the subsequent U.S. military retaliation, Americans are expressing deep worries about new rounds of terrorist activity. Much of the focus has centered on biological terrorism, especially the release of diseases such as anthrax that are directly fatal to humans. Less talked about, but potentially more devastating to our economy and our way of life is a subset of biological terrorism called agroterrorism, which targets agriculture and our food supply.

Last week, the U.S. General Accounting Office said that the nation’s food supply is vulnerable to terrorist attack. Think, for example, of all the huge farms and ranches in California’s Central Valley. Ever see anyone guarding these places? Agroterrorism is not only low risk, it’s also inexpensive, devastating, and difficult to trace. Further, it’s low-tech. A U.S. Animal Health Association expert says that agroterrorists need only smuggle disease viruses into our country and release them in feedlots and other transmission points.

We’ve all heard of how foot and mouth disease wreaked havoc in Europe. The same catastrophe in an agriculture-rich state like California would have massive repercussions. A 1999 UC Davis study conservatively estimated that an outbreak of foot and mouth disease alone in California would result in losses of up to $13.5 billion.

Government officials are beginning to take action. In California, the State Strategic Committee on Terrorism is beginning to focus on agroterrorism. The state is also in the process of strengthening its emergency response mechanisms and its various food safety programs. Yet, more needs to be done at both the state and federal levels.

More food inspectors are needed. Better coordination between government agencies would also help. And if airports warrant National Guard protection, perhaps we should consider using troops to patrol key agriculture areas. The faster we implement security precautions the more secure we will all feel about the source of our next meal.

With a perspective, I’m Lance Izumi.

Lance Izumi is the Director of Center for School Reform at the California-based Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy. He can be reached via email at lizumi@pacificresearch.org.