April 16, 2009

LANSING - Michigan’s farmers and agri-businesses play a critical role in protecting the viability of one of the state’s growing economic sectors - the agri-food industry. As Michigan’s second largest industry, the state's 56,014 farmers must overcome wide-ranging and complex challenges to produce Michigan’s 200+ commodities, including; potential agricultural threats like bovine tuberculosis, soybean rust, intentional contamination, theft of the fertilizer anhydrous ammonia and safe handling of its intended use.

“It’s vital that Michigan’s farming community and agri-businesses implement sound security practices to protect their livelihood and the state’s food supply,” said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director. “In the modern food system, one incident – intentional or accidental – can lead to ripple effects which interrupts our food supply, threatens animal health, and causes harm to local economies.”

Additionally, the theft of anhydrous ammonia continues to be an issue of great concern in the agriculture community.

“Anhydrous ammonia – a low-cost form of nitrogen fertilizer - is a key ingredient in the illegal production of the drug methamphetamine,” said Koivisto. “Both the agriculture industry and government share a responsibility to work together to strengthen our nation’s security. 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.”

Anhydrous ammonia is an extremely hazardous substance, and subsequently, a release of 19 gallons (100 lbs) or more must be immediately reported to each of the following: The local emergency preparedness coordinator (listed under county government); The MDA Ag Pollution Emergency Hotline: 1-800-405-0101 or the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Pollution Emergency Alert System at 1-800-292-4706; AND The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) NationalResponseCenterat 1-800-424-8802.

Besides anhydrous ammonia, producers may have other chemicals at risk for theft. It is important that farms are prepared for such incidents and have a plan in place in the event of a release. MDA, Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division collaborated on an informational bulletin to help farms with security, emergency preparedness and planning. The bulletin, Emergency Planning for the Farm, is available at: http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/Bulletin/PDF/E2575.pdf

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.

Suspicious individuals or activity near anhydrous tanks should be reported to the following toll-free tip line: 1-866-METH-TIP.

For more information about anhydrous ammonia and farm security, visit www.michigan.gov/mda and http://web1.msue.msu.edu/emergency/meth.html.