South Carolina Ag Security

South Carolina Ag Security Alert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2003

Agriculture on high alert for homeland defense

COLUMBIA, SC---Charles R. Sharpe, Commissioner of Agriculture, urges farmers to take steps to help prevent threats to our food supply during this time of high alert. As the country prepares for war and the possibility of retaliation at home, several steps can be undertaken to provide additional security in the countryside. The following are some simple, yet important, steps farmers can follow to prevent or respond to threats:

Know who your local law enforcement officials are and how to contact them.
Continually check animals and crops for unusual health changes.
Know all your employees. Restrict visitors to your property.
Improve your level of security. Have adequate outside lights and backup energy.
Lock doors, windows and equipment and feed storage areas.
Monitor all deliveries and maintenance.
Inspect all feed, equipment and other inputs for signs of tampering.
Develop alternative water and feed sources as backups.
Limit access to storage areas for chemicals and hazardous materials stored on farm.
Report any suspicious activity.
Purchase inputs locally or from establishments you know.

Commissioner Sharpe reminds farmers that "We are on the front line of defense for protecting America's food and agriculture. Let's make sure that we continue to do our part."

Commissioner Sharpe has ordered that facilities under SC Department of Agriculture control, including the State Farmer's Markets, will be monitored more closely during the time that the country is on high alert.

For questions or concerns, call the South Carolina Department of Agriculture at 803/734-221-0.

Back to Unused Pesticides Index

Return to For County Pesticide Training Coordinators Only

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Clemson University Cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Counties, Extension Service, Clemson, S.C. Issued in Furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

Site maintained by Rachel Rowe | Pesticide Information Program | Entomology at Clemson
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service | Clemson University

Last Updated: April 7, 2003

Site map | Search

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2003

Agriculture on high alert for homeland defense

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2003