AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS SECURITY TAX CREDIT BILL INTRODUCED

Would provide relief for ag retailers

U.S. Representative Ron Lewis (R-KY) introduced an Agricultural Business Security Tax Credit Act (HR 4718) in the House. The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) backed bill will help provide ag retailers with the financial resources they need to do their part to address our nation's security threats.

There are several pieces of pending chemical security legislation (S. 994, S. 157 & H.R. 1861) in Congress which would make it mandatory for ag retail facilities to conduct a security vulnerability assessment, develop a site security plan and implement security measures. Retailers could spend tens of thousands of dollars, possibly over $100,000, at a single facility on security measures such as fencing, alarms, lights, and security guards, depending on what federal mandates are imposed.

A security investment tax credit will help provide agricultural business owners with the funding to take expensive, yet necessary, proactive security steps to better protect the U.S. agriculture and food system and the American public from the potential threat of terrorism or any other illegal activities." ARA is working with the Chemical Producers & Distributors Association and State agribusiness associations on this important legislation. If you would like a copy of the complete ARA news release contct the OABA office at (614) 326-7520 or gking@oaba.net.

OABA is partnering with ARA to provide an on-line Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) program created specifically for agchem dealers. The program meets the criteria of the Center for Chemical Process Safety - the yardstick the government will use to security assesssents. Contact OABA (614) 326-7520 or bpeach@oaba.net for more information about the SVA program.