Agro-terrorism

Agroterrorism, also known as agriterrorism, is a malicious attempt to disrupt or destroy the agricultural industry and/or food supply system of a population through "the malicious use of plant or animal pathogens to cause devastating disease in the agricultural sectors".^[1] It is closely related to the concepts of biological warfare and entomological warfare, except carried out by non-state parties.

A hostile attack, towards an agricultural environment, including infrastructures and processes, in order to significantly damage national and international political interests.

Theory

Clemson University's Regulatory and Public Service Program listed "diseases vectored by insects" among bioterrorism scenarios considered "most likely".^[2] Because invasive species are already a problem worldwide one University of Nebraska entomologist considered it likely that the source of any sudden appearance of a new agricultural pest would be difficult, if not impossible, to determine.^[3] Lockwood considers insects a more effective means of transmitting biological agents for acts of bioterrorism than the actual agents.^[4] Insect vectors are easily gathered and their eggs easily transportable without detection.^[4] Isolating and delivering biological agents, on the other hand, is extremely challenging and hazardous.^[4]

See also

• Eco-terrorism
• Food security
• 1989 California medfly attack

References

1. "Agriterrorism". Homeland Defense Stocks.
2. "Regulatory and Public Service Programs’ Strategy for the Prevention Of Bioterrorism in Areas Regulated", Regulatory and Public Service Program, Clemson University, 2001, accessed December 25, 2008.
3. Corley, Heather. "Agricultural Bioterror Threat Requires Vigilance", (Press release), Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resource, University of Nebraska, November 12, 2001, accessed December 25, 2008.
4. Lockwood, Jeffrey A. "Insects: Tougher than anthrax", The Boston Globe, October 21, 2007, accessed December 25, 2008.

External links

• The Counter Agro Terrorism Research Center. Archived September 27, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
  • The Counter Agro Terrorism Research Center – About Us. Archived September 27, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
• US food supply 'vulnerable to attack' (BBC article)
• Govern Kevin, Agroterrorism and ecoterrorism: a survey of Indo-American approaches under law and policy to prevent and defend against these potential threats ahead. Winter, 2009 10 Fl. Coastal L. Rev. 223.
• The Silent Terrorist - BBC 2006