Nat'l Animal ID System

Legislators in Multiple States Call for a Halt to the National Animal Identification System

Legislators in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Washington have filed bills to stop the National Animal Identification System, or NAIS, in their states, responding to a wave of public opposition from across the country.

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.

Pat Stewart, Massachusetts Coordinator for Liberty Ark Coalition, contends that NAIS would harm local agriculture and the equine industry. "I’m thrilled that this bill acknowledges the contributions of Massachusetts farmers and horse owners to the Bay State. Consumers are seeking locally grown food and rural quality of life. This bill will enhance those possibilities.”

Bernadette Barber, the Virginia Coordinator, speaks of the concerns of everyday individuals: “We own just a small farmstead--a few cows and pigs for milk and meat for the family freezer, and a few backyard ponies and horses for fun. NAIS will utterly 'Red Tape’ us to oblivion with unnecessary paperwork and costs. When the federal government cannot even secure the safety of spinach, I really don't want them regulating and charging me for growing my own food.”

In Washington, Celeste Bishop reflects on the growing grassroots movement: “It has been a remarkable year of watching small farmers across the country not only bring safe quality food to their families and communities but go the extra mile to mold agricultural policy that is balanced and not fear-based. Food security is a big concern for folks these days and the best protection for food security and safety is to know and support your local farmers,” says Ms. Celeste.

Like the other states, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Washington have been taking federal funds to implement NAIS. The recently-introduced bills will bring this issue to the forefront of a legislative debate on whether the states should be implementing NAIS over the objections of their residents.

To learn more about NAIS, and what it means for farmers and consumers, visit http://www.libertyark.net.