ABSTRACT
Farmers have special needs during a nuclear power plant accident. Within the Inner and Middle Planning Zones they will: be designated as emergency workers, receive special protective action kits, and receive special information and training in emergency preparedness and response. Contamination of fruit and vegetables will be a problem only if an accident occurs immediately before or during harvest. Farmers and members of the public will be warned not to consume fresh local produce. Farmers also have special responsibilities: to protect themselves, their families, and their animals, to protect the public milk and food supply, and to prepare a farm emergency plan in advance of an accident. In a nuclear accident, contamination of the milk supply is a major concern. Drinking contaminated milk may result in high individual radiation doses, especially in children.
