By Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture

Farmers play a critical role in protecting the state’s food and agriculture system. As one of Michigan’s fastest growing economic sectors, the state's 55,000 farmers must overcome wide-ranging and complex challenges to produce Michigan’s 200+ diverse commodities, including; potential agricultural threats like avian influenza, soybean rust, intentional contamination, theft of the fertilizer anhydrous ammonia and safe handling of its intended use.

The theft of anhydrous ammonia continues to be an issue of great concern in the agriculture community. Anhydrous ammonia - a low-cost form of nitrogen fertilizer - is a key ingredient in the illegal production of the drug methamphetamine.

In 2007, the Michigan Agriculture Commission approved Anhydrous Ammonia Safety and Security Practices (AASSPs), which are voluntary recommendations addressing the storage and handling practices of agricultural use of anhydrous ammonia. Sellers and end users implementing the AASSPs are granted immunity from personal injury and property damage claims caused by anhydrous ammonia theft or unlawful use.

The adoption of AASSPs by Michigan producers and the fertilizer industry ensure that farmers can continue the use of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer and curb its theft for illegal use.

The agriculture industry and government share a responsibility to work together to strengthen our nation’s security. Suspicious individuals or activity near anhydrous tanks should be reported to the following toll-free tip line: 1-866-METH-TIP.

Anhydrous ammonia is an extremely hazardous substance, and subsequently, a release of 19 gallons (100 lbs) or more must be immediately reported to each of the following:

1. The local emergency preparedness coordinator (listed under county government);
2. The MDA Ag Pollution Emergency Hotline: 1-800-405-0101 or the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Pollution
   Emergency Alert System at 1-800-292-4706; AND
3. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

MDA, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE), and the Michigan State Police have partnered to give dozens of presentations across the state and created a fact sheet to educate producers on anhydrous ammonia theft and security practices.
Besides anhydrous ammonia, producers may have other chemicals at risk for theft. It is important that farms are prepared for such incidents and have a plan in place in the event of a release. MDA, MSUE, and the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division collaborated on an informational bulletin to help farms with security, emergency preparedness and planning. The bulletin, Emergency Planning for the Farm, is available at: http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/Bulletin/PDF/E2575.pdf

Another educational effort is the "Be Aware, Be Prepared" campaign. “Be Aware, Be Prepared” was designed through a collaborative effort between MDA, Michigan Farm Bureau, MSUE, and Michigan Milk Producers to help producers better protect their crops, animals, the foods they produce, their economic livelihood, and the food supply. Thousands of placards were distributed throughout the state to specifically help farmers communicate to their employees who to call and when.

By being proactive and taking the proper precautions, anhydrous ammonia and other farm chemicals can be used safely and securely for their intended agricultural uses.

For more information about anhydrous ammonia and farm security, visit www.michigan.gov/mda and http://web1.msue.msu.edu/emergency/meth.html.