The Fruit Growers News - November 2001


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Government and Industry Effort Can Keep our Food Safe

By Bill Pauli California Farm Bureau Federation

California agriculture has experienced some economic impacts as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and we may see more in the long run. But our farmers and ranchers will do whatever it takes to provide the food and fiber America needs as it pursues its new war on terrorism. So far, we believe the economic impact on agriculture from the terrorist attacks has been relatively small. The temporary shutdown of commercial airlines led to the loss of some perishable produce awaiting air shipment. The longer-term reduction in travel and tourism means reduced sales for those who provide food to travel-related businesses such as restaurants, hotels and airlines. Food spending may shift, with more meals consumed at home. Farmers have reported scattered increases in pest problems resulting from temporary grounding of ag aircraft. In the wake of the attacks on Sept. 11, industry groups and government agencies, as well as individual farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses, are all reevaluating their security measures. For example, Farm Bureau has been participating on the State Strategic Committee on Terrorism’s agri-terrorism subcommittee. I believe the size, diversity and year-round production ability of California agriculture protects it from a crippling terrorist attack. All segments of agriculture are working to protect themselves further. California’s farms and ranches must be on guard against biological agents including plant pests, animal diseases, bacteria, viruses or toxins. Even before Sept. 11, producers in animal agriculture took new “biosecurity” precautions because of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in other countries. Dairy, livestock and poultry producers restricted visits to their operations and tightened requirements for those who did visit. The fact that the disease has not been found in the United States shows a combined effort by government and industry can head off a potential threat. Farmers and ranchers will look at other ways to increase security, such as participating in industry quality-assurance programs, keeping careful records about products they buy and sell, and checking references for new hires. Farm-related industries such as agricultural aviation, fertilizer dealers and transportation companies have all heightened security. So have the thousands of food processors in California, including meat packers, dairy and poultry processors, canners and others. Each operates under stringent food-safety guidelines, and each must also reconsider security measures. Security must be a priority wherever bulk commodities are stored for processing. Added security must also be undertaken by the retail establishments that sell food to Californians. Grocery stores, restaurants and other food-service businesses are the final link in the chain between production agriculture and the consumer. As we look for ways to enhance the security of our food-production system, we must strike a balance that creates the security we seek without imposing burdensome costs at any one point in the system. There are several ways policymakers can respond to assure the safety and security of California’s food supply. Inspection services at California’s airports, seaports and highway border stations are our first line of defense against imported pests and diseases. One way inspections have been strengthened in recent years is through use of dog teams to sniff parcels and luggage for contraband foods that could carry pathogens. Making the state inspection-dog program permanent would send a strong signal. The legislature should review existing laws to assure that penalties against agri-terrorism reflect the serious threat that it poses. We should enforce criminal penalties for people convicted of deliberately spreading pests, diseases or toxins to farms and ranches. We also should increase penalties for smuggling contraband food so they are severe enough to act as a true deterrent. State and local governments should enhance their commitment to rural crime-prevention programs. The state should encourage research on rapid diagnostic tests for common food-borne pathogens. Rapid detection is crucial to containing and eradicating any threat. California farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses recognize the threat of agri-terrorism and stand ready to confront it. At the same time, we want to assure you that California’s food supply was safe before Sept. 11 and it’s safe now. We have the system in place to keep it safe, by maintaining and enhancing the vigilant guard that we keep over it. The preceding testimony of Bill Pauli, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation, was given to the Speaker’s Task Force on the Impact of Terrorism in California, Los Angeles, Oct.15, 2001.