September 14, 2007
Honorable Joseph I. Lieberman, Chairman
Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I am writing on behalf of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) to express our strong support for S. 1804, the National Agriculture and Food Defense Act of 2007. NASDA represents the commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture in the fifty states and four territories.
States clearly form the first line of defense against the threat of a terrorist attack against our food supply. As partners in the federal system, we appreciate your leadership and ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and security of our Nation’s food supply and the agricultural production system that supports it.
The state departments of agriculture also commend Senator Richard Burr and Ranking Member Susan Collins for introducing this important legislation. S. 1804 is a major step forward in building the capacity to provide protection for our valuable agriculture sector, which is a national economic engine. The bill addresses a number of agriculture and food system vulnerabilities by establishing a roadmap to prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from a bioterrorist incident or catastrophic food emergency. We believe S. 1804 would capitalize on the proven strengths of state programs by providing guidance, funding and better coordination of resources to effectively protect the food and agriculture sector.
NASDA recently testified at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing that examined food defense and post-harvest preparedness. For your information, I have attached a copy of our testimony which describes our efforts and challenges to prepare for food and agriculture emergencies.
The state departments of agriculture urge you to hold hearings on S. 1804 and to pass this vital legislation. NASDA welcomes any opportunities to work with you and the Committee to achieve our shared security and emergency preparedness goals.
Sincerely yours,
Valoria H. Loveland
NASDA President
Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture
Cc: Ranking Member Susan Collins
Senator Richard Burr