The USDA Business Plan calls for breed registries to start using the NAIS Animal Identification Number (AIN) beginning in March 2008.  (Business Plan, p.28-29)  Below is information on what the breed registries have told our members about whether or not they will require members to use the NAIS AIN.  

In addition to helping people make informed choices about what registries to support, this information is important for policy reasons.  USDA's Business Plan was intended to make Congress think that NAIS implementation will be successful, so that Congress will continue funding for NAIS.  If  the vast majority of registries are refusing to participate, then we have yet another argument for stopping the NAIS funding!  So far, we have yet to have a registry admit to requiring the NAIS animal identification.  Is USDA trying to mislead Congress (again) about the widespread opposition to NAIS? 

Please help us to collect more data!  Contact your breed registry and email their response to us at Info@FarmAndRanchFreedom.org.  Be sure to let your registry know that you do not want them to be part of implementing NAIS!

Registries that currently do not intend to require NAIS AIN’s

Be aware that several registries have indicated that they don't intend to require NAIS premises registration or AIN's right now, but may change that policy in a year or two or three.   If you are interested in being a member of any of these registries, we urge you to contact them to make sure that they have not changed their position.

American Hereford Association (oral statement, 1/14/08)

American Jersey Cattle Association (email statement 1/21/08)

American Quarter Horse Association (oral statement, 1/11/08)

Appaloosa Horse Club (email statement, 1/14/08).  The ApHC adopted a resolution "expressing concern" about the impact of NAIS in the Spring of 2007.  The email stated that there has not been any discussion by the Board about NAIS since that time.

Arabian Horse Association.  1/30/08 - AHA has posted a position statement at http://www.arabianhorses.org/registration/news/reg_news_080130.asp.  The Association states that it does not plan to require NAIS as part of its registration.  But its position statement essentially repeats the claims of the USDA and the Equine Species Working Group.

Katahdin Hair Sheep International (email, 1/11/08): Stated that they have not been contacted by USDA, and that it would take a vote of the Board or the membership to make this a requirement.

Kinder Goat Breeders Association (email statement, 1/11/08).  The KGBA has adopted a resolution opposing NAIS.

National Pygmy Goat Association (email statement, 1/12/08).  The NPGA has a page on its website dedicated to keeping members informed about NAIS: http://www.npga-pygmy.com/services/NAIS/default.asp

North American Normandie Association (email statement, 1/14/08).  NANA stated that it would have to change its bylaws before it could require a 15-digit AIN as a registration number, and that no proposal has been made to do so.  Changes to the bylaws must be approved by the members.

Pinto Horse Association (oral statement 1/20/8): Will not require AIN in 2008.  There is a board meeting in April 2008, at which the Directors will determine whether to require AINs next year.

Red Angus Association (oral statement, 1/11/08).  RAA stated that they do not know anything about it and no one from USDA has approached them.

Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association (email 1/20/08): No plans at this time

Tennesee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitos Association (email 1/20/08): Will not require AIN for 2008, but may in the future if necessary.

Registries that intend to require NAIS AINs
 

So far, no association has admitted that it will require AIN's in March 2008.  Several associations have failed to respond to inquiries, though.  If they continue to refuse to answer, we will create a category specifically for them. 

USDA's Business Plan explicitly calls for breed registries to start using AINs in March 2008.  Is USDA trying to make Congress and the public think that private associations support NAIS when the majority of them apparently do not?