WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, stressed the importance of protecting our food supply against emerging threats during a Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony for the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility located in Manhattan, Kansas. This signing ceremony outlines the strong relationship between the Department of Homeland Security and USDA for NBAF.

The research that will be conducted at NBAF will be critical throughout the KC Animal Health Corridor and the country.

Below are Sen. Roberts’ remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation to join in the Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony for the National Bio- and Agro- Defense Facility.

“Twenty years ago, as the first Chairman of the newly-formed Emerging Threats Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I became even more aware of the threat our nation faced against intentionally introduced pathogens to be weaponized and aimed at destroying plant and animal populations.

“I saw firsthand in Obolensk, one of Russia’s secret cities, production and storage facilities for offensive biological weapons, including anthrax. There were other secret sites in the former Soviet Union dedicated to researching and producing bio weapons against animals and plants.

“What started as an ominous and threatening international security wake-up call, quickly became a mission, shared by many, leading to the construction of NBAF.

“Operating in the heartland of the United States, in Manhattan, Kansas, NBAF will serve as the first line of defense to protect our nation’s plant and animal health.

“One only has to look at events around the world to understand how critical it is to protect and defend our nation’s food supply. African Swine Fever is now impacting 19 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia – most especially in China.

“In 2015, an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza here in the United States resulted in billions of dollars in losses to the U.S. poultry industry and the closure of many export markets. Four years later, we are still working to reestablish trade in some of these markets.

“In a post 9/11 world, the United States has taken significant steps towards addressing the vulnerabilities in our country, and in the agriculture sector, including the creation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive #9 (HSPD-9), the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, and the recent work on our National Biodefense Strategy.

“However, the threat is still very real. And, the key is research.

“Kansas State University, along with the leadership of then-President John Wefald, understood this very well, and joined me in stepping up to the challenge of responding to this threat resulting in the Biosecurity Research Institute at K-State.

“The BRI is a bio-level 3 laboratory that examines pathways by which pathogens can spread and issues related to countermeasures and animal carcass disposal after a potentially catastrophic event.  The BRI has been laying the groundwork for NBAF and its construction and eventual operation in Kansas.

“Four years ago, I spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of NBAF in Manhattan.  I spoke of the economic opportunity that this facility will bring to the region and to the state of Kansas.  It is an opportunity for the many talented and skilled students that graduate from Kansas State and other universities to serve in jobs and related capacities in support of NBAF.

“Now we know, this isn’t just an opportunity for the state of Kansas.  It is an opportunity for our nation.

“NBAF will draw on the expertise of professionals across the country who understand that the research conducted at this facility is paramount to protecting our nation, our economy, our food supply, and our way of life.

“In order to meet this daunting challenge it is going to take a steadfast and coordinated effort across our federal family, and with the partnership of our state governments, and very importantly with the private sector.

“The Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security, along with the many other agencies tasked with protecting our nation, must continue the commitment to remain vigilant against emerging threats, whether intentional or naturally occurring.

“It will take all of our collective expertise, resources, and vigilance to ensure that we continue to build a vibrant, safe, and secure future for generations to come.

“I thank you all for your support of this shared mission, and look forward to continuing this work together.

“Thank you.”

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