"The goal of this program is to prepare and protect the U.S. against a terrorist attack on our food systems, " Grassley said. "Events since September 11 have put American agriculture on an even higher state of alert. A deliberate sabotage of our nation's food supply would cause substantial economic and humanitarian consequences."
The National Security Program for U.S. Agriculture and the Food Supply would focus on preparedness and defense against threats to livestock and plants. Located at Iowa State University, the program would be a collaboration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Justice and other federal agencies and universities.
Grassley said Iowa State's strong tradition as a leader in agricultural issues and its relationship with USDA labs in Ames make it an ideal location for the program.
Grassley's letter was sent to Sens. Herb Kohl of Wisconsin and Thad Cochran of Mississippi, who as chairman and ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture are responsible for drafting the federal government's spending plan for agriculture related projects in the next fiscal year. The appropriations process begins each spring and is typically completed at the end of each congressional session.