Ag Security Discussions Find Senate Ag Committee

A panel of land grant university officials and other experts spoke to the Senate Ag Committee recently about the importance of protecting agriculture from pests, disease and other threats.

Richard Meyers, Kansas State University President, said one suggestion to help the industry is to have more veterinarians and other agri-biodefense experts.

“It’s vital to increase the number of subject matter experts with high-level security clearances to monitor global threats.”

Plant Pathologist at Michigan State University Ray Hammerschmidt said it’s also important to have a wide network of labs.

“All the labs in the land grant system and the national plant diagnostic network can really be thought of as sentinels and thus a first line of defense for diseases and pests in plants.”

The experts said that now, more than ever, we’re interconnected into the world when it comes to pests and diseases that could threaten the American ag industry.