Department of Homeland Security makes agro-terrorism a high priority for research

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced the release of a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) calling for proposals that will focus on research efforts to combat agro-terrorism.

The proposal submission is the first step in the review process for academic institutions wishing to be selected as a Homeland Security Center of Excellence (HS-Center). Homeland Security will convene a team of expert external evaluators who will review the submissions based on merit and make recommendations to a selection committee within the Department. Following selected site visits, the Department anticipates establishing two HS-Centers by April 2004; one will focus on combating animal related agro-terrorism and the other will focus on post-harvest food security.

"Secretary Ridge and I are delighted that we are taking this important step to expand Homeland Security's partnership with academia," said Dr. Charles McQueary, Under Secretary, Science and Technology. "By empowering the best scientific minds at our nation's universities to tackle the challenges of agro-terrorism, I feel confident that we can help ensure the bio-security and safety of the nation's food supply."

•Date: 18th December 2003 •Region: N.America •Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
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