| Description |
1 online resource (ii, 51 p.) : ill. |
| Note |
Title from cover screen (viewed on Oct. 24, 2012). |
|
"September 2012." |
| Summary |
According to DHS, invasive species cause an estimated $136 billion in lost agricultural revenue annually, and since September 11, 2001, concerns have persisted about the vulnerability of agriculture to deliberate introduction of foreign pests and disease. DHS and USDA manage the AQI program, which places agriculture inspectors at U.S. ports of entry to inspect imported agriculture products and intercept foreign pests. GAO reported in 2006 on management challenges in the program and made seven recommendations to improve it. GAO was asked to examine the extent to which (1) DHS and USDA implemented GAO's recommendations; (2) data on arrivals, inspections, and interceptions are used for managing the program; and (3) the views of AQI agriculture specialists on their work environment have changed since 2006. GAO surveyed a representative sample of agriculture specialists and supervisors; reviewed key documents and inspection procedures; visited five selected ports of entry based on size and entry pathways, such as air or sea; interviewed DHS and USDA officials; and reviewed AQI data. The survey instrument and most results can be viewed at GAO-12-884SP. GAO recommends, among other things, that (1) DHS and USDA develop a joint strategic plan for the AQI program, (2) DHS develop a plan for implementing a staffing model, and (3) DHS and USDA take steps to improve the reliability of certain data. DHS and USDA agreed with the recommendations. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Note |
"GAO-12-885." |
| System Details |
Mode of access: World Wide Web. |
|
System requirements: Adobe Reader. |
| Subject |
United States. Department of Homeland Security -- Management -- Evaluation.
|
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United States. Department of Agriculture -- Management -- Evaluation.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- Management -- Evaluation.
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Introduced organisms -- United States -- Prevention.
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Nonindigenous pests -- United States -- Prevention.
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Biological invasions -- United States -- Prevention.
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Agricultural pests -- Control -- United States.
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| Added Author |
Shames, Lisa.
|
| Added Title |
Agriculture inspection program has made some improvements, but management challenges persist. |
| Running Title |
Agriculture inspections |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-12-885 |
|
