‘The Mean Sixteen': Farm Journal Foundation Research Reveals the Top Biosecurity Threats in Agriculture

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (RFD-TV) — Pest and disease outbreaks remain one of the most pressing threats to U.S. agriculture, and new research is shining a brighter light on the risks producers face. The Farm Journal Foundation (FJF) has released a paper outlining what it calls “The Mean Sixteen,” a list of the most significant biosecurity threats confronting farmers today.

In an interview with RFD-TV News, FJF Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier states that the project began as an effort to clearly define and communicate the diseases and pests that pose the greatest danger to U.S. crops and livestock. The newly published list includes well-known challenges like citrus greening, along with a range of other high-impact threats.

Mercier explains that with limited funding available for prevention and response, identifying priorities is essential. While all sixteen issues present serious challenges, she notes that determining which should be tackled first will require careful consideration from policymakers and the ag sector.

Ultimately, she hopes the paper will lead to stronger policy support — including targeted economic resources — to help farmers improve prevention efforts and strengthen biosecurity on their operations.