From Blue Ridge Leader and Loudoun Today, Loudoun County Virginia, Vol 18 #48, DECEMBER 20, 2002
FBI Warns Area Farmers
If your neighbor hates genetically modified corn, and he experiments with explosives in the backyard, you probably should report him to local police, an FBI agent told farmers.
Reporting unusual activities is a key to fighting agroterrorism, said Jerry Lyons, an FBI special agent who serves in the weapons of mass destruction countermeasures unit. "You might have one piece of the puzzle that could solve the case."
When asked for clues that someone might be interested in engaging in terrorism, Lyons said a potential bioterrorist might strongly oppose the consumption of milk or the use of genetically modified crops. However, it's difficult to put together a profile of a domestic or international terrorist, he noted.
In assessing potential threat, it's appropriate to look at the resolve of the person or group, Lyons said. "Do they have the means" to carry out a terrorist act? "Is it practical or worth their time" to carry it out? Lyons noted that an extreme environmental group said on its website, "Fire is a tool. Arson works." However, its a federal crime for anyone to engage in teaching methods of terrorism, the agent added.
Tip sheets produced by the Virginia Cooperative Extension suggest that farmers have only one entry or exit point per farm and consider using security lights and controlled gate access. Extension also recommends the use of electronic security devices such as motion detectors, door alarms, video cameras and alarms linked to an off-site security system.
