Review of Animal Identification Systems
Written Testimony of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
to the
United States House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture,
Subcommittee of Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry

The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Austin, Texas. Founded in April 2006, FARFA has over 600 members and over 2,000 subscribers to its mailing list from across the country. FARFA is dedicated to protecting the interests of independent farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and other livestock owners. USDA has described NAIS as “one of the largest systematic changes ever faced by the livestock
industry.”

Despite the scope of the proposed program, the government has not conducted any scientific studies to analyze the design or effectiveness of the NAIS. Nor has the government ever completed a cost-benefit analysis. Rather, the USDA has relied on unsupported, generalized statements that NAIS is necessary to protect the United States against an outbreak of animal disease and that it will help the export market. The discussion below is an overview of the most egregious issues that have been ignored by the proponents of the program.

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