Veteran investigative journalist John Solomon of Just The News will host a Friday evening special report examining the largely overlooked national security threat posed by agroterrorism.
He will be joined by Michigan-based TV and radio host Steve Gruber, whose regional expertise and background in agricultural policy will help frame the issue through both national and local lenses. Together, they’ll unpack critical vulnerabilities in the U.S. food supply chain and explore how agricultural systems could become targets of intentional disruption with far-reaching consequences.
Agroterrorism refers to the deliberate sabotage of agriculture or food production to instill fear, inflict economic harm, or destabilize public trust. The risks span contamination of livestock, introduction of invasive pests or pathogens, manipulation of feed and water supplies, and disruption of transport and storage networks.
A recent federal case underscores the gravity of these concerns: two Chinese nationals were charged with smuggling Fusarium graminearum—a fungus classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon—into the United States for research at a University of Michigan laboratory. The pathogen, which causes head blight in grains and produces toxins harmful to humans and livestock, has been linked to billions in global agricultural losses.
The decentralized nature of American agriculture adds to its exposure. Thousands of small and mid-sized producers operate with limited biosecurity, while regulatory oversight remains fragmented across federal, state, and local agencies. Coordination gaps, resource constraints, and insufficient risk modeling contribute to a system that’s highly efficient—but underprepared for deliberate threats.
Economic impacts from agroterrorism could quickly exceed the initial point of attack. Market confidence can collapse, leading to price surges, hoarding, and international trade barriers. Entire herds may need to be culled, quarantines imposed, and lawsuits triggered. Rural economies, already vulnerable, may struggle to recover from the financial and reputational fallout.
Solomon and Gruber’s report seeks not only to highlight the threat but to encourage broader awareness and institutional resilience. As policymakers and producers grapple with evolving risks—from bioterrorism to cyber sabotage to insider threats—the conversation around safeguarding America’s agricultural backbone is long overdue. This Friday’s broadcast is a timely step toward addressing it.
The special report will begin at 7 p.m. ET.
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Author: JBaron
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