Last month, we sent you two urgent action alerts to call your Representative to tell them to vote to stop funding for mandatory electronic Animal ID (RFIDs). Although the House initially voted by voice to include the provision, it died in the formal roll call vote.

Why?

Based on comments from staffers, Agribusiness groups like Texas Farm Bureau and NCBA state affiliates like Texas Cattle Raisers were working hard on the other side. These groups push mandatory electronic ID to make it easier to export (and import) meat. They claim that the benefits trickle down to all producers, even though all the evidence is to the contrary – showing that exports don’t help independent producers and that small producers bear disproportionate costs from electronic ID. Not to mention that the big agribusinesses will be able to use group ID (instead of individual RFID tags), so they get all the benefit with almost none of the costs.

There is also still a lot of misinformation that electronic ID will increase food safety and consumer transparency. Mandatory electronic ID does not really address either because the tracking ends at the slaughterhouse, providing no benefits to the consumers.

What comes next?

Accountability and education! Check this link to see how your Representative voted (we wanted them to vote “Yes” to stop the funding) and then call them AGAIN at the number below to tell them you noticed, whichever way they voted.

If they voted yes, THANK THEM for standing up for small producers.

If they voted no, we have more work to do to help them understand that this policy is bad for small farmers and won’t help with food safety. Don't take an angry or threatening tone; just let them know you saw their vote, were disappointed in it, and present them with the reasons that they should change their position.

Help our lawmakers understand that what is good for Big Ag is often harmful to thousands of their small farmers.

Thank you for your ongoing activism and support!!

Action Center

Step 1: Look up how your Representative voted here. FARFA wanted them to vote “yes”.

Step 2: Use the look up tool to get your Representative's contact info, call them and tell them “Thank You” or “Support small farmers next time!"

Find Your Representatives

Step 3: Consider a special donation to keep the momentum growing to protect and promote independent and regenerative farmers across the country. The road to a new Farm Bill is many months long and resources are deeply needed!