2008 Mid-Year Report - Food Security

Food & Agriculture Security Task Force

Commissioner Gene Hugoson (MN) served as acting chairman during the task force meeting.

Update on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Activities Related to Food & Agriculture

Lyle Jackson, DHS Food & Agriculture Program Manager,

 

Dennis Deziel , DHS Office of Chemical Security Compliance

 

Jessica Fantinato, USDA Office of Homeland Security,

Update on Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Activities on Homeland Security

LeeAnne Jackson, FDA Office of Food Defense, Communication & Emergency Response,

Homeland Security Activities and Priorities on Animal Emergency Management

Keith Roehr, U.S. Animal Health Association (USAHA), Assistant State Veterinarian, Colorado,

Consideration of Policy Amendments and Action Items

No policy amendments or action items were offered.

 

 

 

 discussed preparedness efforts to address foreign animal diseases. More state funding and resources are needed to employ animal health officials, develop emergency plans for various livestock sectors, and local government coordination activities. reported that FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) recently reorganized to better coordinate the agency’s homeland security efforts. A new software tool was released in summer 2007 to help develop state vulnerability assessments in the food and agriculture sector. The agency has also issued numerous guidance documents, conducted emergency exercises, and launched a new food defense awareness initiative (ALERT). outlined USDA efforts on food and agriculture defense, including vulnerability assessments, mitigation strategies, response planning, and guidance documents. , outlined recently issued Chemical FacilityAnti-Terrorism Standards. DHS has placed an indefinite hold on requirements for agricultural operations until further study and discussion with stakeholders. Another rulemaking on safe handling of amonium nitrate is being developed in 2008. described the DHS Critical Infrastructure Project, which is intended to help states determine vulnerabilities in their agricultural infrastructure and key assets. Additional information will be provided to state agriculture departments in coming weeks. Gregory. S. Christy, DHS Food & Agriculture Sector Liaison, discussed DHS-Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)funding guidelines for 2008 grants/training. More emphasis is placed on preparedness and a state risk formula will determine funding allocations. Applications are due May 1, 2008. The National Response Framework, which describes federal bioterrorism response and recovery activities, has been reworked and streamlined. The document becomes effective in March 2008 and is intended as a tool for state and local governments. Mr. Christy also discussed efforts to upgrade and develop the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN).

Chairman: Bill Even, South Dakota
Vice Chairman: Roger Allbee, Vermont

NASDA Mid-Year Conference

Washington, D.C.

 

Task Force Report

 

 

Summary of Task Force Action


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