Flyover: The Potential Impact of Agroterrorism and Bioterrorism within Agricultural Aerial Application Operations.

AuthorRobbins, John M.
PositionSolo and Small Firm

Notions of agroterrorism and bioterrorism as methods of control to deplete infrastructure have been present since the beginning of known civilization. (1) However, these threats are rarely conceived by the populous. With advances in technology, consumers in the agricultural market seldom understand the logistics of food and commodity production and how the effects of even a small-scale attack could impact the distribution, sale, and need for these products. (2) Another concern is the lack of social awareness toward quantifiable risks associated with the ongoing threat of terrorist activities. As such, understanding all aspects of agroterrorism and bioterrorism, specifically with regard to agricultural aerial application operations, is crucial.

Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, security measures and protocols have increased, (3) yet there is little reassurance or absolute safety. The use of aircraft to effectively deliver a large-scale attack has been proven to be a viable resource for terrorist activities due to the magnitude of destruction these vehicles can generate. (4) Several government, state, and industry-specific groups within the United States have targeted terrorist activity with regard to aviation. However, agricultural aviation differs from the general operational guidelines representative of other facets of commercial aviation. These differences make them especially susceptible to the intentional misuse of chemicals, equipment, and assets necessary to accomplish the goal of aerial application.

The aerial application industry--whose importance is unparalleled--ensures our food is free of pests and deliverable to the global market. The industry works day-to-day to provide a service and, without it, a component of the world population would succumb to consequences, such as disease and famine. The industry, however, can be difficult to regulate due to the lack of supervision from overworked and understaffed agencies. (5) Nonetheless, these agencies are responsible for providing protection from the ongoing threat of terrorist activity. For this reason, it is imperative to study, implement, and evaluate procedural guidelines and protocols to ensure the security of aircraft, chemicals, pilots, and operators.

History of Aerial Application

The first well-documented use of aircraft to control an agricultural pest in the United States occurred in 1921. (6) An article by C.R. Neille and J.L. Houser in the March 1922 issue of The National Geographic Magazine (7) described how lead arsenate dust was spread on catalpa trees near the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station by being poured through a hole in the deck of a Curtis JN6 (Jenny) aircraft's observation cockpit. (8) From this humble beginning, aircrafts have had a role in the production of agricultural crops. (9)

As time progressed, the use of chemical dispersion by air became a necessity for the wellness of troops at war (10) who were exposed to diseases passed on by arthropod vectors. Beginning in World War II, aerial application of pesticides by the military effectively controlled vector and nuisance pest populations in a variety of environments. (11) During the Vietnam conflict, a mixture of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D (Agent Orange) (12) became the preferred herbicide and defoliant to effectually expose enemy regimes to the U.S. military. (13) The product was very effective via aerial application; however, the long-term effects of exposure are still present in those who came in contact with the product--proving the lethality of the misuse of chemical dispersion by air. (14)

Today, aerial application has evolved into an extremely viable method of controlling pest populations. The industry has evolved from the low-powered, low-capacity aircraft of the early to mid-20th century into aircraft with much more capability. (15) Aerial application accounts for up to one-fourth of the delivery of crop production products in American agriculture. (16) Farmers value the use of aircraft because they can cover vast amounts of area quickly, without disturbing the soil or the growing crops. "Aircraft can glide over the crops at up to 140 miles per hour," which is important as some pests can cause serious damage in less than 24 hours. (17) Many companies have worked to develop high efficiency aircraft, including not only fixed-wing, but also rotary-wing platforms. Some newer aircraft are capable of carrying 800 gallons of product and can weigh as much as 16,000 lbs. (18) This makes them a very useful source for chemical dispersion, but incidentally, it also makes them a viable tool for terrorist activity.

Pilot Certification and Licensure in the U.S.

The certification of pilots in the U.S. is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the requirements to receive a certificate have different degrees of experiential and practical experience to meet minimum certification guidelines for a specific rating. (19) To perform any flight operations requiring the pilot to holdout services to the public, he or she must meet the minimum standards to obtain a commercial pilot certificate. (20)

Certain applications require further levels of certification because of degrees of specificity, perceived operational dangers, or limitations. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is the state regulatory body that outlines registration and record-keeping requirements for aerial applicators. (21) State requirements vary; however, some states have quasi-reciprocal agreements that allow nonresident licensed applicators to work under someone who is currently licensed in the given state. (22) Most often, these reciprocal agreements require the licensure candidate to complete all the necessary requirements beyond written examinations. (23) The process to become a licensed aerial applicator is stringent and requires a great deal of effort and monetary output from the applicant; it provides an awareness of aviation security and how operators who may utilize noxious chemicals or products need to be specifically trained to identify and mitigate the improper use of assets.

Agricultural Aviation and Security

Agriculture and the food industry are very important to the social, economic, and arguably, the political stability of the United States. Although farming employs less than two percent of the country's workforce, 16 percent of the workforce is involved in the food and fiber sector that ranges from farmers and input suppliers to processors, shippers, grocers, and restaurateurs. (24) In 2002, the food and fiber sector contributed $1.2 trillion, or 11 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP), even though the farm sector itself contributed less than one percent. (25) Gross farm sales exceeded $200 billion and...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT