Agriterrorism, bioterrorism, ecoterrorism---whatever term we use to describe terrorist acts---we are all concerned about protecting our precious agricultural and natural resource assets.  In doing so, we protect the people of this state and nation.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that the agricultural and natural resource systems are, in fact, critical infrastructures and that any disruption of these infrastructure systems would have both significant emergency and economic impacts. Until now, much of our focus has been on naturally occurring, non-intentional threats since they historically have posed the greatest risks.

Because of the horrific September 11th events , farmers and others involved in the business of agriculture and forestry were asked to make some changes in the way they operate. They are making sure that their crop protectants and aerial applicators are as secure as possible. All of us involved in agriculture and forestry are concerned about the intentional, criminal misuse of crop protectants. So, farmers, representatives of public and private organizations, and public officials have joined forces with law enforcement to prevent crop protectants from falling into the hands of the wrong people.

Farmers and foresters depend on aerial aircraft to apply chemicals to their crops and forestlands.  They may continue to be asked to make some short- and long-term changes in the way they operate. For instance, the grounding of aerial applicators at a critical time in the growth cycle was a concern for some of our crops here in South Carolina. While it was a threat to the livelihood of our farmers and foresters, the alternative was a threat to our very lives.

In addition to securing crop protectants, farmers and foresters are fully aware that the intentional or unintentional introduction of plant and animal diseases could be devastating.  Even before the terrorists acts of September, farmers were on a heightened state of awareness concerning the potential for an outbreak of animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, West Nile Virus, BSE, and others. Even though Anthrax, a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis has been discovered in other parts of the nation, it is not endemic in South Carolina. However, farmers and public officials are watchful for any symptoms of the disease in domestic and wild animals.

Visitors continue to be discouraged from visiting livestock farms, especially if they have recently been to a country infested with one of these diseases. The Food Safety Inspection Service has significantly increased inspections at the ports of entry to prevent any foreign animal disease from entering the U.S. through farm equipment and other shipments. Farmers have been conscientious about these diseases and have stayed on the alert not only for the safety of their animals, but for the safety of everyone.

South Carolina is currently capable of adequately responding to natural, accidental, and inadvertent introductions of exotic diseases and pests. However, should there be a widespread intentional introduction of an exotic disease or pest in multiple locations simultaneously, we would look to our Federal and local public and private partners for additional support. Crisis management efforts have been intensified to ensure that if we ever faced an emergency situation, we are prepared with a swift and full response.

In addition to bioterrorism, criminal acts involving ecoterrorism (threats to the environment) include sabotaging logging equipment, threats and vandalism, fence-cutting, arson, bombings, and crimes against related enterprises.

Agencies and organizations in South Carolina, individually and collectively, have increased efforts to ensure that premeditated, deliberate acts do not threaten the safety of the state’s food, fiber, and forestry infrastructure. Whether intentional or accidental, the best offense to these threats is a good defense. However, local and state government agencies are currently operating with very limited resources due to budget cuts, so continuing to provide the programs and services that have worked best to protect our agricultural and natural resources is becoming increasingly difficult.

The threat of terrorism remains a concern for all of us---rural and urban citizens. We must unite against these radicals---from special interest extremists---most notably within the animal rights and environmental movements who conduct acts of violence to further their causes---to international terrorists who perform unspeakable acts of violence to further their causes. The only way to defeat terrorism is to stop it, eliminate it, and destroy it where it grows.

International terrorists and extremists can do much harm, but there are also those among us who criticize or condemn the farmers who feed and clothe us and the foresters who shelter us. These are the most essential elements of life. We must keep our farms and forests alive and well. If South Carolina---if America---can not provide our basic needs, we will be forced to depend on other nations. Dependence on foreign supplies opens the door for our loss of liberty and freedom.

Within our own state, a conflict is brewing among rural and urban people. Urban people are looking for an escape after a hectic workday in the city, so they are moving to the country to capture a bit of nature. When they arrive in the country, they complain about offensive sounds and smells of their neighboring working farm. Before these people move to the country, they need to understand that they are relocating to an agricultural environment---an environment in which the sounds and smells are part of the effort to put food on their tables. We should all be thankful for the men and women who don’t mind the unpleasant sounds and smells of farming---those who don’t mind the dust blowing in their faces. If we didn’t have these people, where would we get our food? Would we be dependent on foreign supplies? For farmers and consumers---this is serious business!

To combat potential agriterrorism, bioterrorism, or ecoterrorism, every citizen of South Carolina---rural and city dweller---must join farmers, foresters, and public officials in keeping our state safe and secure. Through agrisecurity, biosecurity, and ecosecurity and through our unwavering support of those who put the food on the table and a roof over our heads, we, rural and urban citizens, are resolved. We are united. And, we will rise to defend all that we cherish . . . and that includes the freedom to continue to provide the raw products for food, shelter, and clothing for the people of this state, nation, and, indeed, the world.