Agroterrorism is a hot topic right now. Aon Corporation looks like they not only have a handle on the issue but are being very proactive in helping create public dialogue.
On August 18, 2005, Aon, in cooperation with the US Department of Homeland Security and the University of California’s Western Institute for Food Safety & Security, is sponsoring the 2005 AgroTerrorism Assembly on August 18, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Sacramento, California. The Assembly is designed to inform community leaders (government and business), food industry leaders, emergency responders (local, state and federal) — of the risks and vulnerabilities of agroterrorism and other food-related disasters.
Aon’s Agribusiness and Food System Group, based in Kansas City, works with businesses involved in the production, processing and distribution of food. About one-third of Aon Agribusiness and Food System Group’s business in the sector is agriculture, and two-thirds is food-related.
A Senate Agriculture committee reviewing protection for U.S. agriculture recently heard testimony suggesting that sabotaging the nation’s agriculture system would not be that difficult. Aon Agribusiness and Food Systems Group Senior Vice President Rick Shanks says he understands that perception exists, but that doesn’t mean U.S. agriculture is standing pat. “While agroterrorism is perceived as being alarmingly easy, the fact is, the cattle industry is implementing plans to protect against agricultural sabotage,” he says. “While nothing is 100% secure, as a nation we’ve taken big steps in the right direction.”
For more information contact Thaddeus Woosley.