Farm Security
With animal rights extremism on the rise, it is increasingly important for everyone in the animal agriculture and food communities to keep security top-of-mind. America’s farms, ranches and food processing facilities are the front lines of our food supply. Keeping them safe and secure is essential to animal health and well-being, in addition to ensuring the safety of our milk, meat, poultry, eggs and seafood and protecting the reputation of our community. Additionally, restaurants and food retailers are increasingly dealing with extremist threats, potentially disrupting the flow of the supply chain and the public’s ability to access food. The Alliance’s security resources are intended to help the entire food chain, from farmers to food brands, protect themselves and their livestock and poultry from threats to the security of their property and livelihoods.
Farm Security Tips:
- Establish check-in procedures for visitors at your farm and ensure all employees and family members know the steps to follow if a visitor shows up. Escort visitors at all times.
- Maintain basic security: lock offices and cabinets, have proper lighting, alarms and cameras, post signs for restricted areas and no trespassing.
- If there is a protest at your farm, facility or an event you are attending, do not engage protesters and remain calm.
- Thoroughly screen all job applicants by verifying past employment, conducting background checks and confirming they are not a known activist. Contact the Alliance for more information about our Farm Security & Hiring Hub.
- Develop a crisis communication action plan.
- The Alliance has a wealth of in-depth security resources for farms, plants and events available to our members. Contact us for more information.