The MDA would play a role in response to any attack that involved agricultural chemicals or contamination of our food supply. We have highly trained staff ready to respond around the clock, and we can dispatch a response team to any part of the state within hours.

But our goal is to prevent problems before they happen. Our best ally in this effort is a watchful public. That's why we have put a lot of energy into getting the word out about what private citizens and businesses can do to increase security.

Since the integrity of our food supply is essential, one of the first steps we took after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was to advise food and dairy processing facilities around the state to raise their level of security. Given the potential harm that could come from intentional misuse of agricultural chemicals, we have also issued preventive recommendations to our ag chemical industry — including aerial applicators.

In all our communication, we ask that people immediately report suspicious activity or threats to local law enforcement agencies and to the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.

Below you can find some of our recommendations targeted to specific sectors of the agricultural community. If you have questions about these recommendations or any other aspect of our anti-terrorism efforts, please do not hesitate to contact us at 651-201-6000 (Metro area) or 1-800-967-2474 (Greater Minnesota).