Terrorism in agriculture, we all know, is unfortunately a threat that must be recognized and prepared for.

The Salinas Valley California Women for Agriculture chapter is sponsoring a hands-on workshop that will provide training on agroterrorism and an opportunity to learn about agricultural biosecurity and emerging plant diagnostic and control systems.

It will be Sept. 12 from 9 a.m.—noon in the Monterey County ag commissioner’s office at 1428 Abbott St., Salinas, Calif.

You’ll learn about concepts and practical principles of awareness, preparedness, diagnostics, identification of high risk pests and diseases, along with help to local front-line agribusinesses through hands-on and practical training scenarios. The session will explore the potential impacts of agroterrorism from both food safety and defense perspectives, lessons in understanding counter-terrorism, and hands-on training for first detectors.

Speakers will be:

· Mary Ellen Taylor, FDA public affairs specialist: “Food Defense —What Agriculture Needs to Know.”

· Tom Sidebottom, FDA special assistant for science: “Understanding Counter-Terrorism and Responding with the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN).”

· Steve Koike, UC Cooperative Extension plant pathology farm advisor: “Coastal Crops — How to Respond to Potential Impacts of Agroterrorism.”

· Richard Hoenisch, UC Davis, National Plant Diagnostic Network: “First Detector Program Training — A Hands-On and Practical Approach for the Agricultural Industry.”

Co-hosts are Monterey Bay CAPCA, Grower Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner, UCCE Monterey County, and California Lettuce Research Board. For more information go to www.salinascwa.org