Post by Joann on Mar 2, 2006 10:07:51 GMT -5
Here is the letter I wrote to the Lewiston Sun Journal. One is permitted only 250 words. I hope it will engender comment so further points can be made.
Re: Agricultural registration program praised, panned
2/20/06 Sun Journal
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help you”. Rarely has this sardonic humor been more apt than as it applies to IDME, the state program by which USDA is introducing its National Animal Identification System (NAIS). This program will require electronic ID chips in every farm animal including horses, cattle, exotics such as llamas and buffalo and all poultry.
Premises must be ID’d for federal geopositioning.
Every animal bred naturally or by artificial insemination, every animal which dies, is slaughtered, sold or given away must be reported. Movement of animals to a fair or to the vet must be reported. When this program becomes mandatory, vets will be subject to fines for failure to report infractions and owners to hefty fines for noncompliance. Registration fees and cost of the microchips will be borne by animal owners. Exemptions exist only for confined feeding operations.
IDME/NAIS is being touted as a food security measure. Yet there is nothing in the program capable in any way of preventing disease. At best it will enable confined feeders to pass the buck to smaller suppliers should an outbreak occur. USDA officials may then readily locate, enter your premises and slaughter animals at their discretion.
We cannot slaughter our way to a healthy food supply.
Supporters assert that animals are more safely produced in confinement devoid of contact with the natural world. True food security is better served by an array of local growers.
Joann S. Grohman (Rogers)
Carthage
Maine
Re: Agricultural registration program praised, panned
2/20/06 Sun Journal
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help you”. Rarely has this sardonic humor been more apt than as it applies to IDME, the state program by which USDA is introducing its National Animal Identification System (NAIS). This program will require electronic ID chips in every farm animal including horses, cattle, exotics such as llamas and buffalo and all poultry.
Premises must be ID’d for federal geopositioning.
Every animal bred naturally or by artificial insemination, every animal which dies, is slaughtered, sold or given away must be reported. Movement of animals to a fair or to the vet must be reported. When this program becomes mandatory, vets will be subject to fines for failure to report infractions and owners to hefty fines for noncompliance. Registration fees and cost of the microchips will be borne by animal owners. Exemptions exist only for confined feeding operations.
IDME/NAIS is being touted as a food security measure. Yet there is nothing in the program capable in any way of preventing disease. At best it will enable confined feeders to pass the buck to smaller suppliers should an outbreak occur. USDA officials may then readily locate, enter your premises and slaughter animals at their discretion.
We cannot slaughter our way to a healthy food supply.
Supporters assert that animals are more safely produced in confinement devoid of contact with the natural world. True food security is better served by an array of local growers.
Joann S. Grohman (Rogers)
Carthage
Maine