Approximately 18% of our nation's workforce is employed in production agriculture or in an occupation directly related to the agricultural industry, but everyone consumes food and uses products made from fibers grown in the U.S. So keeping our nation's food and fiber supply safe remains an important priority for all citizens.

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9 (HSPD-9): Defense of U.S. Agriculture and Food recognizes agriculture as part of the critical infrastructure of the nation and establishes a policy to defend the food and fiber system against terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.