By Blake Jackson
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) welcomed agriculture security officials from across the United States on September 9-11 as it hosted the annual meeting of the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture.
The organization, which represents 19 states, works to improve emergency preparedness in agriculture by collaborating on surveillance, prevention, and response strategies for potential threats, while also coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies. Each year, the meeting is held in a different host state.
Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and a UWRF graduate, opened the session by underscoring agriculture’s importance to Wisconsin, which proudly carries the title of America’s Dairyland.
“Agriculture is a $116.3 billion industry in the state of Wisconsin,” Romanski said. “About one in 10 people working in the state of Wisconsin holds a job related to agriculture.” He added that Wisconsin exports reach 151 countries, making the state the 12th largest exporter in the nation.
Romanski applauded the partnership’s multi-state cooperation to guard against agricultural risks. “When we’re talking about controlling pests and diseases and protecting humans and animals, it’s a pretty important safety net,” he noted. “There's a border between us and Minnesota... but that border doesn’t stop birds from flying.”
Wisconsin’s representative to the partnership, Kurt Grajkowski, serves as emergency services coordinator within DATCP’s Division of Animal Health. He helped organize this year’s gathering at UWRF.
Grajkowski explained that threats such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, New World screwworm, and foot-and-mouth disease remain top concerns for members. The partnership, he said, allows states to exchange knowledge and resources to strengthen both animal and plant disease response efforts.
Grajkowski also chose UWRF to showcase the region and spotlight some of the university’s distinctive programs. “In particular, I wanted to dial into Dr. Kurt Vogel and the Humane Handling Institute to raise awareness of the good resources they have that we can share,” Grajkowski said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, Education