Press Release
January 8, 2007
Contact:
Judith McGeary, 512-243-9404 - judith@farmandranchfreedom.org
Karin Bergener, 330-298-0065 - bergener@config.com
Virginia Legislator Calls for a Halt to the National Animal Identification System
Delegate Rob Wittman has introduced a bill to put a halt to the National Animal Identification System, or NAIS, in Virginia. House Bill 1990 would require the Commissioner of Agriculture to
"...ensure that the Department does not participate in or provide any assistance to the establishment of the National Animal Identification System or any substantially similar program."
The National Animal Identification System is an industry-government plan to identify and track every livestock animal in the country. While big agri-businesses and technology companies support the program, individuals and organizations across the country have opposed it. The objections range from invasion of privacy and property rights to the unknown, but probably high expenses of the program.
Bernadette Barber, a Virginia wife, mother, and small farmer, contacted Delegate Wittman to seek his help in stopping the program:
"We just own a handful of animals, but the government wants to treat us the same as big corporations shipping meat to Asia. I rely on my animals to help feed my family, and the NAIS will make it harder, if not impossible, for me to provide high-quality food for my children."
Says Barber, who is the Virginia State Coordinator for the Liberty Ark Coalition:
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) cannot even secure the safety of spinach. I really don't want them regulating and charging me for growing my own food. The USDA should be encouraging smaller local markets, not driving them out of business, which is what NAIS will do. There is no better "trace back" than direct Farmer-to-Consumer, or raising it oneself for personal consumption. Big agricultural conglomerates should probably be investigated for Anti-trust law infractions, and they certainly do not need my tax dollars as "corporate welfare." The more centralized a food source is, the more vulnerable it is."
Judith McGeary, an attorney in Austin, Texas, reports that the Liberty Ark Coalition receives calls for help from people all over the country.
McGeary says:
"Nearly 1,600 people, and 87 organizations, have signed up as supporters of the Coalition to oppose NAIS. When these individuals talk to their neighbors and friends, almost no one knows the truth about NAIS. And even many state Legislators have been left in the dark, as the state agencies have moved ahead with the program without getting authorizing legislation."
Like the other states, Virginia has been taking federal funds to implement NAIS. The Virginia Department of Agriculture has implemented a voluntary NAIS program using these federal funds as well as state funds. Delegate Wittman's bill could put a stop to this process.
To learn more about NAIS, and what it means for farmers and
consumers, visit the Liberty Ark Coalition website.