August 31, 2010: FARFA submits comments to USDA on Animal Traceability framework
July 1, 2010: Read about USDA's public meetings on Animal Traceability, and the current proposal, here
June 30, 2010: House Subcommittee cuts funding for NAIS
The House Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee has cut all funding for animal ID in the 2011 Appropriations bill. The Subcommittee rejected USDA’s request for $14.2 million for FY 2011. Remember that this is just the first step in the appropriations process, and the funding could be re-instated later.
The Chair of the Subcommittee, Congresswoman DeLauro, stated: “We have spent over $147 million on this program since 2004. And six years later, we still have not seen a clear plan from USDA on successful implementation, even after they shifted to a more fragmented system in 2010. ... We do not feel it is a good use of resources to fund NAIS until the agency develops a clear plan for a mandatory system with measurable goals, long-term funding levels, and a plan for successful implementation.” [emphasis added]
We agree that Congress should not spend any more taxpayer dollars on the program. But the answer is not to create a mandatory program as DeLauro seeks to do. Rather, Congress and USDA should re-focus the agency on preventative measures to protect animal health
May 3, 2010: FARFA Provides Input to USDA on New Framework
FARFA drafted and sent a letter, signed by a dozen other organizations, to USDA and the State and Tribal members of the regulatory working group, asking for clarification on the new framework and providing input on issues of concern to animal owners. Read the full letter here
March 9, 2010: Trial Court Victory!
The Wisconsin trial court has dismissed the case against Mr. Miller, an Amish farmer who refused to register his property on religious grounds. Read the court's decision here. FARFA and 22 other organizations filed an amicus brief in support of Mr. Miller, which you can read here.
February 5, 2010: USDA has announced that it is dropping NAIS!
This is a major victory for the grassroots!! Thank you to the thousands of people who called, wrote, organized meetings, and more. Dozens of organizations, from across the country and the full range of the political spectrum, worked together on this common cause. And we succeeded in making our voices heard.
USDA has stated that it is refocusing its efforts on “a new, flexible framework” that will apply only to animals moved in interstate commerce and encourage the use of “lower-cost” technology. During today’s conference call with USDA, I asked whether the agency would continue using federal funding to pressure states to adopt the program through cooperative agreements. In response, Secretary Vilsack stated that USDA has gotten a “failing grade” on NAIS and that he does NOT intend to try to implement it through the back door.
You can read more details from USDA at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/printable_version/faq_traceability.pdf
We still have more work in front of us. As USDA develops its new framework, we must be involved and vocal, so that agribusiness does not develop yet another high-tech, big-industry boondoggle. We must be active at the state level to ensure that the state agencies do not implement unnecessary and burdensome rules. And we must work to roll back the unfair requirements that have already been implemented in Wisconsin and Michigan. Ultimately, it is up to us – as animal owners, homesteaders, farmers, ranchers, and consumers -- to build a positive vision for our farms and our food.
Read FARFA's Letter to Secretary Vilsack
