Except for air and water, nothing is more central to life than food.

One of our nation’s basic obligations is to ensure a healthy, adequate, and affordable supply. The American public has generally taken food safety for granted, but new dangers may face us today. Accidental or deliberate introduction of plant and animal diseases, toxins, or pests could devastate parts of our food supply or imperil food exports on which large segments of the economy depend.

In the aftermath of 9/11, we must secure our food systems and ensure the economic prosperity of those who supply food to our people. This is a complex and daunting undertaking which must include farmers, producers, distributors, processors, industries, financial institutions, the media, first responders, health caregivers, local and state government, agencies of the federal government, and educational and research institutions.

The Initiative on Food Security proposes to ensure the safety and integrity of the nation’s food systems by addressing every aspect of food security, from the farm to the fork. We intend to identify the threats to our food supply and develop wide-ranging solutions through research, education and public engagement. Enhanced food security is vital to the safety, health and welfare of every American to the economic strength and security of the nation.

We intend to create an Institute of Food Security (IFS) as an umbrella organization to coordinate research, education and public service functions across the University of Illinois. This institute would stimulate collaborative, interdisciplinary research, create a clearinghouse for grant and resource opportunities, sponsor seminars and symposia, and urge that food security be included in our curricula.

A key part of this initiative involves building relationships and networks, reaching out to communities that may need to cope with danger, and working with industry and government in collaborative projects, major conferences, and service efforts. We intend to provide input to Homeland Security and to assess the impact of public and economic policy on food security.