All Americans are at risk, because almost all of the world's economic sectors have become dependent upon the electronic processing and exchange of information. An interruption in computer-driven data systems could mean not only an interruption in financial, health, transportation, and other essential services, but also in economic growth. T he nation's food supply sector is a prime example. Food suppliers, like so many businesses, are heavily dependent on computerized processing and information exchange. For example, farmers and ranchers use electronic equipment to water fields, feed animals, and transport what they produce.
Processors rely on automated systems that help prepare and package consumer-ready products.
Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers depend on computer-driven equipment to transport, deliver, store, display, and sell food products. That can mean more expensive, less available, food supplies. These include the federal government and the banking, insurance, and manufacturing industries, as well as large agricultural production and processing centers and major food retailers. Small businesses, including small farmers, processors, grocery stores, and others with non-Y2K compliant hardware or software are at risk. The problem goes beyond computers.