Protecting Agriculture

Invasive species and toxic substances are among the many threats to American agriculture and natural resources. Through targeting, detection, and interception, CBP agriculture specialists (CBPAS) work to prevent these threats from entering the United States.

Passengers who bring food and other organic material to the United States can often unintentionally carry pests and other risks. Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials. Travelers can help keep America safe by declaring all food and agricultural items.

In the cargo environment, many food items are imported. Wood packaging material, used frequently on a wide variety of imported goods, can hide larvae of wood-boring insects that can then attack native trees or nursery stock. CBP agriculture specialists ask importers to engage in best practices to keep both the cargo and the conveyances free from dangerous species and substances.

Most importers and passengers unintentionally bring these threats to the United States. Unfortunately, certain bad actors engage in agro-terrorism. Agro-terrorism specifically targets a component of agriculture or the food supply. Examples include the intentional introduction of a disease or contamination of food materials with a toxic substance. CBPAS work to identify these bad actors and prevent agro-terrorism from endangering the safety of the United States.