DHS beefs up research on agro-terrorism

DHS beefs up research on agro-terrorism    The U.S. Homeland Security Department wants to receive research proposals from the country’s colleges and universities to find ways to increase security in the agriculture sector.
   The notice is available on the DHS Web site: https://www.dhs.gov under the “Research & Technology” tab. Academic institutions must send their letters of intent to DHS by Jan. 5, followed by their full proposals by Feb. 9.
   DHS will set up a team of external evaluators to review the submissions and make their recommendations to a selection committee within the department.
   “We are particularly interested in receiving proposals in the area of foreign animal diseases and on issues related to food contamination, primarily deliberate acts,” said Melvin Bernstein, director of university programs at DHS.
   Colleges and universities awarded the research opportunities will work with the department’s Science and Technology division.