Too Great a Thing to Leave Undone: Defense of Agriculture

On November 5, 2019, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense will convene a meeting, Too Great a Thing to Leave Undone: Defense of Agriculture, to inform its continuing assessment of the biological threat, specific vulnerabilities, and overwhelming consequences to agricultural producers.

In its October 2017 report, Defense of Animal Agriculture, the Commission explored the need to address vulnerabilities to animal health. Now the Commission intends to revisit and add to its previous recommendations, expanding its review to include other aspects of agricultural security, including the role played by land grant universities and public-private partnerships in safeguarding the nation.

Panel One – Response and Recovery

State and private sector representatives describe requirements for response to and recovery from agricultural crime, terrorism, and naturally occurring outbreaks with large-scale consequences.

Panel Two – Surveillance and Detection

Federal and private sector representatives describe requirements for surveillance and detection of animal and plant diseases before and during agricultural events.

Panel Three – Land Grant University Roles and Responsibilities

Research leaders and academics discuss the vision for land grant universities, their support of the U.S. research enterprise, and their current and potential contributions to national security.

Speakers will share their perspectives, experiences, challenges, and recommended solutions with regard to agrodefense, and talk about public and private sector responsibilities to protect U.S. agriculture.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019
9:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Colorado State University
C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute
Fort Collins, CO 80523

RSVP by October 29. Registration is required and attendance is free. This event will also be webcast (registration for webcast is encouraged). Lunch and refreshments will be provided. WEBCAST WILL GO LIVE just before 9:30 a.m. on November 5.

Full agenda and further details to follow.