A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES TO COLLABORATE WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES AND PRIVATE GROUPS TO DEVELOP DEFENSES AGAINST AGRO-TERRORISM.

WHEREAS, a war of terror was declared against the United States of America on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the enemy in the war on terror is likely to attempt further attacks on United States soil, including attacks aimed at the nation's food supply; and

WHEREAS, a chemical or biological attack on the nation's food supply could cause widespread death and illness, instill fear in the hearts of all Americans and the people of all free countries, and cripple the food industry in the United States, endangering jobs and the economy in general; and

WHEREAS, it is the duty of all Americans and institutions of government at all levels to do everything within their individual and collective powers to help prevent terrorist attacks upon the United States and to keep Americans safe;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the director of homeland security as designated by the governor in executive order 2003-001, the department of health, the New Mexico department of agriculture and the New Mexico livestock board be requested to collaborate with the United States departments of homeland security and agriculture and representatives of agricultural organizations within New Mexico to develop defenses against potential biological and chemical attacks on New Mexico's agricultural industry; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of homeland security, the secretary of health, the director of the New Mexico department of agriculture and the executive director of the New Mexico livestock board.