Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Agri-Security Initiative

Mission:
To establish adequate capabilities to reduce vulnerability,
detect occurrences, and respond to agro-terrorism events

Goal A:  Maintain adequate information support services

Objective 1:  Develop and maintain critical data sets

• Action 1:  Identify critical data sets, develop structure, and incorporate into the Department Geographic Information Systems as necessary to support agri-security activities               
• Action 2:  Participate in University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, Tennessee Agricultural Emergency Management System project

Objective 2:  Maintain efficient and effective Geographic Information System capabilities

• Action 1:  Improve GIS hardware/software
• Action 2:  Expand GIS capabilities to include support for Office of Homeland Security activities

Objective 3:  Support development of technical assistance materials to inform and educate managers, operators, and the public about agri-security issues   

• Action 1:  Cooperate with UT Agricultural Extension Service in development, publication, and distribution of informational materials
• Action 2:  Support implementation of operational vulnerability assessments

Goal B:  Establish and maintain adequate analytical and technical support

Objective 1:  Maintain up-to-date technological capabilities

• Action 1:  Implement appropriate laboratory networking with Food and Drug Administration, Center for Disease Control and the National Veterinary Sciences Laboratories
• Action 2:  Develop Bio- Security Level 3 facility at Ellington Agricultural Center
• Action 3:  Develop regional diagnostic laboratory capabilities including East, Central, and West Tennessee facilities
• Action 4:  Develop and enhance “distance diagnostics” capabilities

Objective 2:  Maintain central and field staff capabilities to support Department responsibilities

• Action 1:  Facilitate development and implementation of Animal Housing and Care Emergency Response Plan (ESF 16)
• Action 2:  Continue training efforts to support ESF 16
• Action 3:  Participate in training exercises

Goal C:  Provide adequate equipment to support agri-security programs

Objective 1:  Maintain adequate analytical and related support equipment

• Action 1:  Obtain necessary BSL-3 equipment

Objective 2:  Maintain adequate equipment to support field/operations-level activities

• Action 1:  Develop efficient heavy equipment replacement schedule for Division of Forestry
• Action 2:  Provide adequate communication and response equipment for Agricultural Crime Unit

Goal D:  Establish and maintain adequate communications capabilities within Agri-Security networks

Objective 1:  Develop and maintain an adequate departmental communication system

• Action 1:  Upgrade Division of Forestry communication system consistent with statewide system development

Objective 2:  Develop and maintain effective and efficient inter-agency communications and private sector networks

• Action 1:  Develop appropriate websites and linkages
• Action 2:  Develop communication/ information distribution network with producer groups, processors, distributors, and service providers
• Action 3:  Expand utilization of video-conferencing and similar technologies to facilitate training

Goal E:  Provide adequate and secure departmental infrastructure associated with agri-security programs and services

Objective 1:  Provide adequate security for Ellington Agricultural campus and statewide facilities

• Action 1:  Develop response protocols for Alert Status ratings
• Action 2:  Develop adequate back-up systems for essential functions
• Action 3:  Complete GIS database for departmental facilities

Objective 2:  Incorporate appropriate Homeland Security measures into lands managed by the Department of Agriculture

• Action 1:  Establish staging and dead animal disposal sites on appropriate State Forests

Goal F:  Participate in interagency and inter-disciplinary efforts to develop agri-security strategies

Objective 1:  Participate on State Homeland Security Council

• Action 1:  Represent Department in State Homeland Security Assessment and Strategy process per U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office for Domestic Preparedness relative to agriculture

Objective 2:  Represent Department of Agriculture on appropriate public and private sector initiatives that address agro-terrorism issues

• Action 1:  Participate in state/federal interagency initiatives
• Action 2:  Develop communications network with other state departments of  agriculture in the Southeast

Goal G:  Develop statutory and rulemaking authority as necessary to address anti-terrorism measures

Objective 1:  Develop adequate permitting/ inspection/ and enforcement policies

• Action 1:  Evaluate need to amend statutes and related regulations to adequately address current and emerging issues:

1. Aerial application of pesticides
2. Sale of restricted use pesticides
3. Animal disease monitoring and enforcement

Objective 2:  Provide adequate manpower and support functions to implement regulatory policies

• Action 1.  Monitor alternatives and opportunities for funding via DHS, USDA, FDA, EPA and other federal options