December 24, 2007

ISSUE 1198

CHERTOFF TO MAKE AG INSPECTIONS A PRIORITY

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced Dec. 14 that he intends to make agriculture inspections at all points of entry into the United States a top priority. After holding meetings with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Secretary Chertoff agreed to reform the department’s agriculture inspection process and send two memos to all of DHS’ Customs and Border Protection field office employees informing them of the changes:

The first memo will reinforce the importance of agriculture inspections within the department, and reaffirm “that agriculture specialists are to be dedicated to the mission of protecting our nation from foreign pests and plant or animal diseases.”

The second memo will announce a new position within the department. The deputy executive director for agriculture operational oversight will be charged with ensuring a more consistent application of agriculture inspection policy across all points of entry.

Feinstein had attempted to add an amendment to the 2007 farm bill that would have moved the agricultural inspection function back to USDA. Since DHS took over responsibility for agriculture inspections in 2003, fewer agricultural inspections have been conducted at important points of entry and the morale of agriculture specialists has been low.