April 9, 2008

LANSING - Governor Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed April to be Agricultural Security Month highlighting the importance of protecting the state's agriculture and food system, as well as the key role Michigan farmers play in the effort.

The proclamation underscores the need for farmers to use sound on-farm security practices. For example, in today's food distribution system, one incident can cause ripple effects interrupting the food supply, threaten animal health and crops, and harm local economies.

"Protecting Michigan's agri-business sector is a crucial part of ensuring the industry's ability to generate jobs and revenue for the state's economy," said Granholm. "We need to work together to preserve Michigan agriculture in order to continue to enjoy our abundant food supply."

As one of Michigan’s fastest growing economic sectors, the state's 55,000 farmers continue to overcome wide-ranging and complex challenges to produce Michigan’s 200+ diverse commodities including; potential agricultural threats like bovine tuberculosis, avian influenza, soybean rust, intentional contamination, and the theft of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer.

“The theft of anhydrous ammonia continues to be an issue of great concern in the agriculture sector, which is the state’s second largest industry,” said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director. “Anhydrous ammonia - a low-cost form of nitrogen fertilizer - is a key ingredient in the illegal production of the drug methamphetamine. The agriculture industry and government share a responsibility to work together to strengthen our nation’s security.”

In 2007, the Michigan Agriculture Commission approved Anhydrous Ammonia Safety and Security Practices (AASSPs), which are voluntary recommendations addressing the storage and handling practices of agricultural use anhydrous ammonia. Sellers and end users implementing the AASSPs are granted immunity from personal injury and property damage claims caused by anhydrous ammonia theft or unlawful use.

The adoption of AASSPs by Michigan producers and the fertilizer industry ensure that farmers can continue the use of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer and curb its theft for illegal use.

Another educational effort is the "Be Aware, Be Prepared" campaign. “Be Aware, Be Prepared” was designed through a collaborative effort between MDA, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan Milk Producers to help producers better protect their crops, animals, the foods they produce, their economic livelihood, and the food supply. Thousands of placards were distributed throughout the state to specifically help farmers communicate to their employees who to call and when.

By being proactive and taking the proper precautions, anhydrous ammonia and other farm chemicals can be used safely and securely for their intended agricultural uses.

Suspicious individuals or activity near anhydrous tanks should be reported to the following toll-free tip line: 1-866-METH-TIP. For more information on agriculture security practices, visit the MDA Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda.