AGRI-SECURITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRODUCERS:

Farmers are on the frontline of defense and possibly the first responders in guarding Tennessee’s food supply, health, environment and agriculture.  TDA is committed to working with producers and others to minimize risks to the state’s food and fiber system from the farm to the consumer.  Here are some recommendations on how to improve Agri-Security on your farm:

Develop an Agri-Security Plan

• Identify and anticipate risks to your operation and increase security in those areas.

• Consult with experts in developing your plan including your veterinarian, crop consultant, Extension agent, Farm Bureau leader, local law enforcement or Department of Agriculture representative.

• Plan how you will respond to threats or tampering with your animals, crops, equipment, chemicals, supplies, and energy and water sources.

• Review and update your plan regularly, and include emergency contact names and telephone numbers for local law enforcement as well as federal and state agricultural officials.

Educate & Train Employees and Customers

• Educate employees and inform customers of the importance of Agri-Security and how to look for signs of possible tampering with crops, livestock, supplies, equipment and facilities.

• Consider regular background checks on all employees and check references.

• Develop a system to identify employees and visitors, and schedule arrivals and departures.

• Train employees on security measures and provide refresher training.

Secure Materials

• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of hazardous materials, and investigate any discrepancies immediately.

• Make sure that all storage areas for hazardous chemicals and drugs are secured and reasonably isolated and that they are built and vented according to required standards.  Supervise and limit access to storage area.

• Secure water wells or other water supplies, and identify alternative water sources as backups.

• Monitor the security of feed and other ingredients.

• Require identification for employees and visitors. 

• Schedule and monitor delivery service and maintenance personnel.

• Ask your feed supplier to keep dated, labeled (source) samples of each batch of animal feed for three months.

Limit Access to Production Sites

• Secure facility boundaries to prevent unauthorized access, and post No Trespassing signs.

• Monitor your facilities for signs of suspicious activity or unauthorized entry.

• Provide adequate outside lighting around equipment buildings and other facilities.

• Consider using alarms, motion detection lights, cameras or other appropriate security equipment in key areas.

Report Any Suspicious Activity

• Alert all employees and family members to watch for sick animals or unusual changes in the appearance of crops.

• Report any unusual animal or plant health symptoms to local agriculture officials, including your veterinarian, crop consultant, Extension personnel or state Department of Agriculture.

• Make sure employees know how and where to report concerns or suspicious activities including unauthorized access.

Biosecurity Precautions for Livestock Producers

Unseen bacteria, viruses or parasites, whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, can quickly spread and threaten animal agriculture.  However there are some simple protective measures you can take to minimize the risk to your operation. 

• Keep a pair of boots or shoes to wear only on your own premise, or clean and disinfect your footwear before checking on livestock.  Commercial disinfectants are readily available, or you can mix three parts bleach to two parts water as a sanitizer for boots and equipment. 

• Ask employees and visitors to clear their boots, or provide footwear that is never removed from your premise. 

• Take time to spray disinfectant on vehicle tires and soiled equipment, and thoroughly clean livestock trailers after hauling animals from other areas.  Used farm equipment, especially imported used equipment, should be thoroughly disinfected. 

• Control refuse on your premise.  Don’t bring home trash or garbage from your office, store or another site, unless it’s bagged in plastic and sealed.  Never bring home food scraps to feed livestock. 

• If you host visitors who have recently traveled internationally, discourage them from handling your livestock.  If you’ve traveled internationally, wash your clothes, shower, clean your boots and avoid getting near your livestock for at least 48 hours. 

• Use your own feed and equipment at livestock shows or fairs. 

• Keep newly introduced animals isolated for at least two weeks. 

• Consider keeping show animals segregated for two weeks following a livestock show or fair. 

• Report any unusual signs of disease or sudden livestock death to your local veterinarian, Extension agent or state Department of Agriculture immediately. 

Sources:  USDA, National Institute on Animal Agriculture, Texas Animal Health Commission and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.