"Security" is an ongoing process and is implemented through a set of actions and technologies designed to protect facilities, data, and other assets. This includes fences, locks, electronic surveillance systems, alarms, and other hardware and software devices. Purdue University's Rural Security Planning (PDF) booklet covers basic security and planning principles, physical security, product storage, and categories of personnel threats.

Another source of information on agricultural security comes to us because of the problem of "meth" (methamphetamine) drug labs commonly being located on farms and in remote rural areas. As a result of the growing meth lab problem, several universities including Ohio State and the University of Minnesota have produced fact sheets that cover basic farmstead and chemical security.

The National Pork Board has developed a Security Guide for Pork Producers (PDF), that contains farm security checklists which are useful to many categories of agricultural producers.

Biosecurity, simply stated, is the practice of protecting and isolating assets (animals, plants, and various input products) from biological agents.  From a veterinary medicine point of view, biosecurity is also viewed as part of an "infection control" strategy, similar to what is commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and other human healthcare facilities.

Penn State University's Veterinary Science Outreach program maintains a number of educational bulletins, PowerPoint slide presentations, and links related to animal biosecurity.

Purdue University's National Biosecurity Resource Center for Animal Health Emergencies developed the Biosecurity Guide for Pork Producers (PDF) that contains general livestock biosecurity principles.

The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association has developed a Biosecurity Educational Module which is available throughout the U.S. on a CD ROM at no charge to qualified individuals.

With regard to crop plant biosecurity, EDEN has an interactive, Web-based Plant Biosecurity Management course, developed by the University of Missouri Extension with a grant from USDA-CSREES.  Producers, educators, consultants, regulators, first responders, and others with an interest in crop biosecurity can access the course online at no charge.

Personnel issues are often overlooked in efforts to protect businesses and facilities from terrorism and other categories of intentional events.  Yet, many historical cases have been documented in agriculture and our food system that actually involved employees or others with an inside knowledge of facilities, processes, and operations. 

Employees are a potential concern, but they are also an important asset, and should be viewed as team members in efforts to protect agriculture.  Agricultural workers are on the front lines and are in the best position to observe unusual situations or conditions.  Their timely response, facilitated through good communications and relationships, are a key to protecting agriculture.

USDA's fact sheet Keep America's Food and Agriculture Safe (PDF) contains the following information with regard to workers in agricultural settings:

• Train employees and customers.
• Screen potential hires. 
• Educate your employees and customers on the importance of being alert for signs of possible tampering with crops, livestock, supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Consider regular background checks on all employees; check references. 
• Develop a system to identify employees and visitors; schedule arrivals and departures. 
• Train all employees on security. Include periodic refresher training.

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) Guide to Biosecurity Awareness (PDF) includes information related to personnel and biosecurity. AFIA materials provide this advice for employers in the feed industry: 

• Biosecurity awareness should be instilled in all employees, starting with top management. Everyone must vigilantly monitor the activities of visitors, customers, service providers, and fellow employees.
• Ask applicants for a resume of qualifications and complete a job application.
• Conduct background checks (i.e., previous employers’ references, and motor vehicle and police records) to establish a prospective employee’s qualifications and demeanor.
• Institute an employment probationary period (60 – 90 days) to properly evaluate a new employee’s work habits.
• Train employees to recognize and report suspicious individuals or abnormal activities, security breaches, suspicious materials or devices, and misplaced equipment.
• Communicate a clear zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence and encourage employees to promptly report such incidents.
• Implement policies on appropriate personal protection equipment as dictated by management and required by law.