Surveying the Threat of Agroterrorism, Part II: Assessing Federal Government Efforts

The Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology held a hearing to assess federal government efforts in preparing for and responding to agroterrorism threats targeting the U.S. food and agriculture sector. Witnesses from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) detailed the multifaceted risks posed by biological and chemical agents, cyber threats, and foreign adversaries exploiting research security gaps. The discussion emphasized the importance of prevention at ports of entry through Customs and Border Protection's agricultural inspections, enhanced biosurveillance, and interagency coordination. The USDA highlighted the National Farm Security Action Plan aimed at protecting farmland, strengthening supply chains, and improving reporting requirements for foreign investments. DHS Science and Technology Directorate described its role in risk assessment, threat characterization, and development of decision support tools to inform preparedness and response. Concerns were raised about potential cuts to FEMA's workforce and their impact on disaster response capabilities. Overall, the hearing underscored the need for sustained federal investment, improved information sharing, and robust collaboration across agencies to safeguard the nation's critical agricultural infrastructure against agroterrorism threats.