Strong Takes on Agroterrorism Threat, Leverages Alabama Expertise

WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Dale W. Strong, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, held a hearing to examine the threats facing America’s agriculture and food supply. 

Chairman Strong brought together an expert panel to provide testimony, which included Daniel K. Wims, Ph.D., President of Alabama A&M University, and Cris Young, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, COL USA (Ret.), Professor of Practice at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University. Both highlighted the nature and severity of the threat that terrorists and other malicious actors can pose to our agriculture. 

The hearing, titled “Surveying the Threat of Agroterrorism: Perspectives on Food, Agriculture, and Veterinary Defense,” focused on how hostile actors target U.S. agriculture, the risks to our food system, and what the federal government can do to prevent, prepare for, and respond to these threats. 

“The importance of our nation’s agricultural assets to both our economy and national security cannot be overstated. ‘Agro-terrorists,’ or those who use biological agents and other means to disrupt our food supply chain, can find success in generating mass fear, instability, and economic damage. This makes our agriculture a tempting target for hostile actors,” said Chairman Strong.  

The hearing underscored risks ranging from foreign nationals attempting to smuggle pathogens into the U.S. to adversaries like China purchasing American farmland near military bases. Strong has led key legislative efforts to defend America’s food and agriculture, including H.R. 1438, the “Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act,” which would block farmland purchases by adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.  

“It’s common sense to protect our food and fiber supply chain and prevent foreign adversaries from using our farmland as a base for operations that threaten our homeland security. I hope that the relevant Committees of jurisdiction take up the bill without delay,” said Strong.   

Strong has also led on other efforts to defend our nation against these threats including H.R. 706, the “DHS Biodetection Improvement Act,” and H.R. 901, the “Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act,” which have both passed the House of Representatives.  

“To frame the problem succinctly, if the United States ever goes to war with an adversary, food and water will be as important as traditional military concerns, such as submarines or missiles,” said Cris Young. 

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