Capt. Darrien Smith, Survey Team Leader in Georgia’s 4th CST, explains to Tom Beacon, Southeastern Regional Coordinating Center Staff Officer,  the protective environmental suit.

4th CST Links with Agroterrorism Committee for First Meeting

It's called Agroterrorism, and to many terrorism experts it represents a threat for which the nation and the safety of it food supply has little defense.

The threat of Agroterrorism, and the methods being taken to protect America's food supply, was the topic of the first meeting of Georgia's Agroterrorism Committee took place at the 4th Civil Support Team Headquarters on Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. Hosting the event were Maj. General David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, and the CST.

The meeting was sponsored by the Agroterrorism Committee of the Georgia Homeland Security Task Force. Its purpose...to share expertise on how to best prepare and respond to agriculture and food related acts of terrorism.

Those who attended this inaugural meeting included laboratory personnel who routinely test for chemical and biological agents in animals, plants, food and pesticides. Participants learned about the Georgia National Guard's mobile laboratory capabilities; proper bio containment; sample collection; and personal protective equipment used with contagious pathogens.

"I'm glad to see the facilities that will be available for use in case of an agriculture or food-related emergency, "said Tommy Irvin, Georgia commissioner of agriculture. 

"As the lead agency in the state in charge of agriculture and food defense, my staff is committed to doing everything in its power to protect the people of Georgia and the state's agriculture industry," he added.

General Poythress said, "I am encouraged y the many professional from numerous state agencies that have come together at this meeting to address the critical topic of food safety as we continue our focus on the global war on terrorism."

During the meeting, members of the 4th CST displayed a wide variety of equipment and technology used to address the threat of Agroterrorism in Georgia.