March 4, 2010

Agroterrorism conference aimed at prevention

WEYERS CAVE—The agriculture industry is a potential target for terrorists, and Virginia experts want farmers and others involved in the industry to be prepared.

The FBI and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will sponsor the Second Annual Virginia Agroterrorism Conference. March 23 at Blue Ridge Community College.

The conference is for individuals involved in crop, livestock and poultry production; livestock market managers; food and dairy processors; retailers; local and state government officials; law enforcement personnel; and other emergency management officials.

“Farmers and agribusinesses need to become aware of the potential threats, determine the steps to minimize those threats and learn how to recognize a terrorist act and who to contact in the event an act is suspected to have occurred,” said Tony Banks, assistant director of commodity marketing for Virginia Farm Burau Federation.

To view the agenda and to register, visit www.vcpionline.org/trainingcalendar.asp.
Contact Banks at 804-290-1114.