|
|
What is the Florida Ag Crimes Counter Terrorism
Network?
The Florida Ag Crimes Counter Terrorism Network
is a co-operative of information sharing between Florida law enforcement and the
Agri-business community. The Agri-business industry is extremely vulnerable to
crime. The economic impact of a simple theft of a battery from a tractor or pump
has far greater effects than just the replacement cost of the battery. The true
effect is that work that was to be performed by the inoperative equipment
results in a loss or delayed that cost money. The worker that depended on the
use of the equipment to perform their job are now being paid to wait for the
equipment to become usable, negatively affecting an already thin profit
margin.
The reality of September 11th, is we, as Americans, are no longer
safe in our own country. Terrorists have long studied America and are
continually looking for ways to exploit our open and free society. One segment
of society that is potentially vulnerable is the food supply and the farms and
business's that grow and produce that food.
How is terrorism and agriculture connected?
|
|
In 1995,Timothy McVeigh demonstrated the effects of mixing ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel. Both are common items found on any American farm, large or small. The anthrax attacks also finds its roots from the farm. The materials that make American agriculture second to none also lend itself to being an effective destructive force.
After the September 11th attacks, it came to light that one of the leaders of the terrorist had repeatedly asked questions about the various abilities of crop dusters during repeated visits to a air strip in Belle Glade, Fl.
An article written by Jennifer Warner, posted January 31, 2003 on the MSN web site, states: The World Health Organization (WHO) urges all nations to take immediate steps to protect the globe from a real and current threat of food contamination by terrorists. The malicious contamination of food for terrorist purposes is a real and current threat, and deliberate contamination of food at one location could have global public health implications.
|
How does Florida agriculture affect you as a US citizen?
Florida is first in the nation in the sale of 19 major products - Oranges, Sugar Cane, Grapefruit, Mangos, Watermelons, Tangerines, Limes, Radishes, House Plants, Ferns, Temple Oranges, Tangelos, Gladiolus, Fresh Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Snap Beans, and Squash
Florida is second in the nation for the production of vegetables
Florida is third in the nation in the production of Carrots, Lemons, and Honey.
Florida is fourth in the nation in the production of Potatoes.
Polk, Hendry, and Hardee Counties produce more Oranges than the entire states of Califorinia, Arizona and Texas..
St. Lucy and Indian River Counties each produce more Grapefruit than the entire states of Califorina and Arizona combined..
Florida is the second leading cattle-producing state east of the Mississippi River, and ranks 9th in the nation, with approximatel 1,100,000 beef cattle..
An attack that destroys or severely reduces the availability of any of these products would change your everyday life. Here is your chance as an American to become directly involved in Homeland Security. Take the active role in protecting your Agri-business interest, become a member of the Florida Ag Crimes Counter Terrorism Network today.
|
Who should join?Any Law Enforcement Officer
or
If you own or work on a farm or business related to:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Aquaculture or
- Any business or entity that provides services to the Agri-business community
How do I become a member
The process of signing up is simple, quick, and free. To become part of the solution rather that just another victim, click here SIGN UP NOW! and follow the instructions.
If you are a law enforcement officer,follow the easy steps to join. When ask what community choose LEO. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail.
If you are part of the Agri-business industry, please select the county in which your business is located. When your application has been approved, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail. |
|
