Even before final passage of the Farm Bill, one key objective of the SCFBA is being achieved administratively. This week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the establishment of a new Deputy Executive Director position for Agriculture Operational Oversight, aimed at improving the DHS/Customs and Border Protection Agency’s agricultural mission. “The detection and prevention of invasive pests and disease is vital to the competitiveness, growth and sustainability of our industry, and we’ve fought for reform in all of our Farm Bill efforts,” said United Fresh’s Robert Guenther. “Special thanks to Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) who fought so hard on this issue, winning support from DHS Secretary Chertoff to create this new position charged with ensuring a more consistent application of agriculture inspection policy across all U.S. ports of entry.” The position will be filled by Kevin Harriger, who has 26 years experience with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Customs and Border Protection Agency. “Mr. Harriger has a solid background and significant experience in this field and we look forward to working with him in the future,” Robert said. For more information, contact Robert Guenther, 202-303-3409.