Agroterrorism and bioterrorism are ways that people might try to harm the food supply and agriculture. Since 9/11, there have been more security measures, but there is still a risk. The industry that uses planes to spray crops is important for making sure our food is pest-free and can be sold around the world. This industry is hard to regulate, so it’s important to have rules in place to keep the planes, chemicals, and people safe from potential attacks. In 1921, the first documented use of aircraft for pest control in the U.S. occurred. Over time, aerial application became important for controlling pests during war. Today, it’s a common way for farmers to protect their crops. Aircraft have become more advanced and efficient, able to cover large areas quickly. But, they can also be a risk for terrorist activity. The FAA governs the certification of pilots in the U.S. To fly for the public, pilots need a commercial pilot certificate. Aerial applicators in Florida need to be licensed by the FDACS. Some states allow out-of-state licensed applicators to work with someone licensed in that state. Becoming a licensed aerial applicator is tough and requires a lot of effort and money, but it’s important for aviation safety and using chemicals properly. Agriculture and the food industry are crucial for the US economy. Aviation is used to protect crops, but it could also be used for terrorism. The responsibility of agricultural aviation is huge because it plays a big role in preventing terrorism in the food industry. Agroterrorism and bioterrorism are forms of terrorism that target our food supply and cause harm to animals and plants. Throughout history, there have been many instances of using diseases and biological weapons to attack food sources and infrastructure. This includes attacks on enemy horses and mules during World War I, as well as the intentional destruction of fields to weaken adversaries. More recently, the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 used easily available products like fertilizer to cause destruction. These types of attacks can have devastating consequences, so it’s important to be aware of the threat of agroterrorism and bioterrorism. The Oklahoma City bombing showed that agricultural products and chemicals can be used to make bombs. There’s a concern that an agricultural plane, like the Air Tractor 802A, could be used to carry a big bomb and cause even more damage than the Oklahoma City bombing. This is because the plane can carry a lot of weight and has a large tank for holding chemicals. Our agriculture and food sectors are vulnerable to terrorist attacks because of how our livestock and food are concentrated in specific areas, making it easier for someone to contaminate them. In the 1990s, there were attacks in Wisconsin where contaminated animal feed caused a multimillion-dollar product recall and a big loss for the feed company. If there was a deliberate attack on our agriculture, it could have devastating consequences for our economy, including lost production, export market restrictions, and costs for the government to fix the problem. We also need to worry about the possibility of chemicals or biological agents being spread from aircraft, affecting our food, towns, schools, and hospitals. Aviation security is important, especially at airports and facilities where aerial applications are used. There are different ways to improve security, such as working with organizations like the NAAA and following safety guidelines from the FAA. It’s up to each airport and operator to decide on the best security measures for their specific needs. The NAAA and FAA provide resources to help operators manage risks and keep their operations safe. Aviation organizations are using Safety Management Systems (SMS) to manage risks and ensure safety. SMS are formal approaches to safety that include policies, procedures, and organizational structures. They are recognized internationally and are being used in other industries, too. The FAA and aviation companies share responsibility for using SMS to manage safety. SMS help create a positive safety culture and increase awareness. However, different types of aviation businesses may have different needs and may need to adjust SMS to fit their specific operations. For example, aerial applicators are adapting SMS to better fit their specific needs. The National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Committee (NAAREF) created the Professional Aerial Applicatorsâ Support System (PAASS) to improve safety in the industry through education. The program has been successful in teaching important decision-making skills and reducing accidents. It has also helped raise awareness about the threats of terrorism. Aerial applicators are knowledgeable and open to new resources, making them receptive to industry issues. The FAA provides valuable services but may need more specialized help to support aerial applicators. There is a need to review the current framework to better promote efficiency and safety in the industry. There is a risk of agroterrorism, where someone could contaminate or damage our food supply, causing shortages. This is a big concern because our food travels from the farm to the store very quickly. There have been historical examples of using planes to spray chemicals to control insects and diseases. This has been used in wartime and also for agricultural purposes. Agricultural aviation has a history dating back to the early 1900s and involves the use of airplanes to spray crops with pesticides and fertilizers. Pilots must obtain a license from the Federal Aviation Administration and meet certain requirements, which can vary by state. There is a concern about the potential for agroterrorism, where someone could use biological or chemical weapons to harm crops and the food supply. This is a serious threat that needs to be addressed. The article discusses gruesome war atrocities in Japan, biological weapons used by the Soviet Union, injuries from the Oklahoma City bombing, and the threat of agroterrorism. It also mentions the potential destruction of livestock in the event of a contagious disease outbreak. Agroterrorism is a big threat to our agricultural system and we need to be prepared for it. Farms and ranches are easy targets for terrorists because they’re not well protected. There are guides and policies in place for aerial agricultural operations and safety, but more needs to be done. Some important people in this field are John M. Robbins, Michael T. Olexa, and Lauren Grant. They work to improve the laws and regulations around agriculture and natural resources.
Source: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/flyover-the-potential-impact-of-agroterrorism-and-bioterrorism-within-agricultural-aerial-application-operations/
Leave a Reply