States move to counter new threats to food, water supplies Image By HPN Staff Growing risks to public food and water supplies are forcing states to pursue protective action. Lawmakers and government agencies are expanding biosecurity efforts and better agricultural practices through increased funding and taking legislative action regarding disease surveillance and prevention. That’s according to a June report from the National Conference of State Legislatures. “As risks related to animal disease, plant pathogens and water quality continue to evolve, states are exploring policies and practices to support prevention and response,” NCSL researchers said in their report, which provides examples of recent legislation from 10 states. Why it matters Biosecurity is a catch-all phrase for any strategy used to protect food or water from threats like infectious diseases, invasive pests and contaminants. “When biosecurity is compromised, the impacts can be far-reaching — including disruptions to food production, food shortages, economic losses in key sectors, public health challenges and long-term environmental damage,” the NCSL report states. The recent round of bird flu is an example: It pushed egg prices higher. Foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever can move quickly through livestock, devastating those industries, the NCSL said. And Zoonotic diseases, which can spread between animals and people, can cause outbreaks in human population centers. “Cross-agency coordination and data sharing are critical to effective biosecurity planning, with states partnering with universities, federal agencies and local governments to strengthen monitoring and response systems,” the NCSL said in its June report. The bigger picture Report focuses primarily on efforts to ∙ Prevent and manage animal disease outbreaks ∙ Monitor and protect crops from disease ∙ Manage wastewater and agricultural runoff It says that states have invested in new laboratories and surveillance systems, implemented new quarantine and movement control protocols, given farmers financial incentives to invest in biosecurity, improved cross-border coordination and expanded water quality monitoring, particularly in agricultural areas. The report notes that many states spend taxpayer money on agricultural research. North Carolina, for example, has a program called NC Innovation, which provides grants to promising university research projects. Five of the 17 projects funded in the last round tie back to agriculture. Additional details The report breaks down several recent pieces of legislation: Colorado HB 1264, which broadened the commissioner of agriculture’s authority to act during disease outbreaks. Wyoming HB 93, which increased reimbursement limits for farmers who lose livestock to quarantine measures. California SB 453, which created the Agricultural Biosecurity Fund to support research through the state university system. Hawaii HB 2546, which authorized the use of fine-meshed nets to protect plants from invasive species. Vermont SB 258, which ordered a review of the state's runoff regulations.
