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Agroterrorism risk communication: challenges and implications for communicators

CHDS State/Local / Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / There are many potential targets for terrorists in the United States, one of which is the food supply system. An attack on the food supply system would create great need for information to many audiences, primarily the general public, about the risk resulting from such an attack. The Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture, a collaborative effort of 10 states, has identified the need for development of a strategy for communicating to the public the risk resulting from an agroterrorism incident. Before the Partnership begins development of a strategy, however, it must take into consideration the factors that are important when communicating about agroterrorism risk: recognition that communication of risk about food carries with it specific challenges; the public's level of trust in government will affect how it perceives and accepts risk messages; and Americans' post-September 11, 2001 fear associated with terrorism alters perception and acceptance of risk. Recognition of the existence of these factors is not enough, however. The Partnership must recognize, as well, that these factors may present barriers to effective communication. To overcome these barriers, the Partnership should apply tried-and-true risk communication principles, tailored to specifically address the factors that make agroterrorism risk communication unique. / Civilian, Public Affairs Manager, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:nps.edu/oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/2222
Date03 1900
CreatorsParker, Lucinda J.
ContributorsBellavita, Christopher, Gordon, Ellen M., Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)., Department of National Security Affairs
PublisherMonterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Source SetsNaval Postgraduate School
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Formatx, 45 p., application/pdf
RightsCopyright is reserved by the copyright owner.

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