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Following the arrests of two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling a dangerous fungus, experts are warning that agroterrorism from foreign threats could lead to significant disruptions in the U.S.
“Agroterrorism involves intentionally introducing items into the U.S. that could harm our food supply,” Kristofor Healey explained to Fox News Digital. “This includes biological agents, like the specific lab-grown organism seen in this Michigan incident, targeted at crucial agricultural resources.”
Healey has a background of 15 years at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), initially in immigration enforcement and later in counter-corruption work. He is now a private investigator and expert witness.
Bags seized by Border Patrol contain the hazardous fungus Fusarium graminearum. (FBI)
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“Since the U.S. is heavily reliant on agriculture, anything that threatens our wheat, barley, or other essential food products, especially if introduced intentionally by foreign entities to disrupt, poses a grave risk,” said Healey. “This form of terrorism targets the civilian populace through its impact on agriculture.”
Yunqing Jian, aged 33, and her partner Zunyong Liu, aged 34, were apprehended by the FBI for allegedly smuggling Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. and researching it for two years. Jian previously worked as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Michigan with funding from the People’s Republic of China.
Fusarium graminearum is a harmful fungus linked to “head blight” in crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, causing billions in damages globally every year, as indicated by the Department of Justice.
This organism is also harmful to humans, potentially leading to vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues.
An expert warns that foreign agroterrorism could create significant disruptions in the U.S. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)
“Many Americans may not fully grasp the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and how intertwined our economy is with theirs,” Healey stated.
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He emphasized that the U.S. would be ill-prepared for potential retaliation from China, such as targeting American agriculture, in case of a major conflict like a war over Taiwan.
“Agriculture is a particularly fragile area of our nation’s infrastructure,” Healey pointed out. “If individuals with lab experience—and potentially harmful intent—come to the U.S. to study or develop these organisms, it could lead to severe consequences for our food safety and overall stability.”
He also mentioned that while the U.S. focuses on excluding imminent threats like bombs and weapons, it should pay greater attention to agricultural and biological terrorism, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. needs to concentrate more on threats related to agriculture and biology, especially in light of COVID-19. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)
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“This is an area we need greater awareness about, given that only five years ago, the global community faced a shutdown due to what seems to be a biological agent released from a lab, infecting millions and causing widespread fatalities,” he added.
Healey advised that Americans must be ready for potential attacks. “You don’t have to go to extremes, but you should think ahead and prepare for the future,” he advised. “Be someone who anticipates not just the next 24 hours, but also weeks or even months down the line.”
Jian and Liu face charges of conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., making false statements, and visa fraud. They are currently held in federal custody.
