WASHINGTON — On Nov. 10, President Joe Biden signed a national security memorandum to strengthen food security and agriculture protections.

The memorandum noted possible types of threats to the supply chain including cyberattacks — such as the targeted attack on Maple Leaf Foods in early November— pandemics, avian influenza, and climate change, among others.

“It is the policy of the United States to ensure that our nation’s food and agriculture sector is secure and resilient in response to the possibility of high-consequence and catastrophic incidents,” the memorandum said. “To achieve this, the Federal Government will identify and assess threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts from these high-consequence and catastrophic incidents — including but not limited to those presented by CBRN threats, climate change, and cybersecurity — and will prioritize resources to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.”

Following the signing, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) praised the added security measures.

“Our agricultural sector faces a variety of threats that could inhibit cattle producers’ ability to bring beef from pasture to plate,” said Colin Woodall, NCBA’s chief executive officer. “NCBA appreciates the Biden administration’s focus on identifying threats and developing new ways to mitigate them. Together, we can protect our industry while ensuring that all Americans have access to wholesome foods like beef.”