Through the context of our discussions thus far in class we have talked at great lengths about CI/KR and the problems that plague our National security. After discussing risk and the risk assessment model, how then do we tip the scales in our favor in regards to the threats against our CI/KR sectors? One area that I believe is overlooked more often than not is the Food and Agriculture (FA) sector. Making up one-fifth of the Nation’s economic activity, one-fifth of the agricultural production is exported creating $144.1 billion in revenue, solidifying the US economy and making it the backbone of our society. This fact alone generates a great threat not only to the economy, but also the population of the United States. Given the vast consumption of food and agricultural resources in the US, any significant threat or action against this CI/KR sector would have vast consequences across the country. Be it natural disaster, terrorist activity or any number of other potential hazards, we must, as a Nation and department, mitigate the potential risks against this sector. Within FA sector, there are internal sections that provide regulation and security from within. They are the Food and Drug administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). These departments provide safety standards and protections with the products themselves, whether it be from contamination or a biological or chemical hazard, but there are other threats that they can’t protect against. Supply, storage and transportation also pose potential risks to the Food and Agriculture section, not to mention the human error that can affect any step of the process (from farmer/grower to seller). Vast fields of corn, wheat, soybeans and hay make up approximately 350 million acres across the United States. How do we prevent against any potential threat against that magnitude of land mass? The reality is that we don’t. It comes down to individual or private entities protecting their self interest in those crops. After the production phase is where the government or private companies can step in with oversight and security protocols. Is there a large gap in this? Yes. But how do we mitigate that risk?

First According to BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing "Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation have up to a 72% risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes (compared to 12-13% for women overall)." but if tested positive for these genes it does not mean that the harmful cancer is or will be formed. It is recommended to have follow ups and pay attention to these things with your doctor so if it is formed then starting the steps necessary. Treating things like cancer is very tough on the body. Getting a double mastectomy or doing other things when testing positive for BRCA1 and BRCA2 while not developing cancer yet or unknown is not technically necessary until your doctor recommends it. Second BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes reliable predictors of cancer. "For women who carry these genes, the probability of breast cancer at some point in their life is over 80% (Campbell, 2018)."When it comes to taking steps to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer through a double mastectomy, I feel it is a very personal choice. On one hand there is a 20% chance breast cancer will never develop so there is still hope. On the other hand with an 80% chance of development it would be more beneficial to have the mastectomy vs not doing anything at all. If I carried the BRCA genes I would 100% get the double mastectomy but again it is a personal choice.