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Members Modify Policies on NAIS, Animal Identification Billings, Mont. (June 11, 2008) – R-CALF USA members who voted in this spring’s mail-in ballot approved several significant modifications to the organization’s policies on animal identification and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Animal Identification System (NAIS). These modifications are listed below and were approved by 96 percent to 98 percent of the voters. Animal ID Resolution No. 1: WHEREAS, USDA-APHIS intends to use existing federal disease control programs, breed association registries and interstate certificates of veterinary inspection (health certificates) to implement NAIS (National Animal Identification System), as outlined in a draft titled “A Business Plan to Advance Animal Disease Traceability” and dated Dec. 12, 2007, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that R-CALF USA opposes implementation of NAIS through coercive or exclusionary tactics. Animal ID Resolution No. 2: Be it resolved, R-CALF USA opposes any form of a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) including any that infringe upon the sovereignty of the states, tribes or individuals, or that would cause the loss of inherent freedoms (life, liberty, right to privacy, property and the pursuit of happiness). Animal ID Resolution No. 3: Be it resolved, R-CALF USA will work for the passage of legislation that would prevent any department of the U.S. government from making NAIS premises registration a prerequisite for participation in state or federal programs. Animal ID Resolution No. 4: BE IT RESOLVED R-CALF USA recommends that USDA-APHIS continue the funding of ear tags and systems pre-dating NAIS for federal disease control programs for livestock as an animal health traceback identification program, in conjunction with state brand laws. All data would continue to be held by the states and APHIS, as it is currently. R-CALF USA opposes the harmonization of these existing systems with, or the use of, these existing systems to implement or promote NAIS. Animal ID Resolution No. 5: WHEREAS, existing systems for identification of livestock, including brands, are effective for disease control; WHEREAS, changes to optimize existing systems can be accomplished by state authorities without implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS); WHEREAS, the implementation of the NAIS – whether by federal or state governments – raises concerns about the impact on private property, privacy and the ability to conduct business; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that R-CALF USA opposes any government action that funds or mandates premises registration and individual or industry participation in the NAIS. Note: All of the new 2008 policies are now posted on the front page of www.r-calfusa.com. Policies established in past years are included as well. # # # R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on trade and marketing issues. Members are located across 47 states and are primarily cow/calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and/or feedlot owners. R-CALF USA has dozens of affiliate organizations and various main-street businesses are associate members. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516. |
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This page was last updated on Wednesday, December 24, 2008. |
