The farming industry estimates that NAIS could cost more than $100 million annually if implemented on a mandatory basis for all farmers.
While I doubt the government will keep it this way for long (NAIS is supposed to go mandatory in 2009, not now), it is still an interesting token gesture.
I'm also pretty sure that this is just another trick to try and make those who fight against such easily-abuseable legislation let our guards down, but at least they aren't going to try to push it through any faster than they had previously said they would, and that's something to be thankful for, right? *smile*
"He who controls the food, controls the world" -Anon
Libby Quaid of The Associated Press writes that Animal identification won't be mandatory; "Hoping to dampen widespread opposition to the animal tracking program, the Agriculture Department has decided it should remain voluntary. "Really embracing this as a voluntary program ... will help the trust issues that some farmers and ranchers have raised about the national animal identification system," said Bruce Knight, undersecretary for marketing and regulation." (check associated press website for full article)
It's just a little thing, but if we're not thankful for the little things,what is there? *smile*
I hope your day went beautifully!
Tags: nais national anuimal identification system government ploy placate activist associated press article news farming
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thankful for The Little Things
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6 comments:
So you think they're just trying to lure us in via false security promises, eh? I wouldn't doubt it, since I don't trust "them" either. Am happy that it's not going to be permanent, at least for now at any rate :-)
How much will it cost farmers if Mad Cow Disease becomes rampant in the US?
Dave I am pretty sure the feed that is made with animal parts and is responsible for bovine encephalitis, is not used by most of the cattle ranches in the US now. Maybe some time ago, but since Britain's problems it is not acceptable.
Thanks Travis. :D
Dave, I have no worries about any meat disease or problem caused by unsafe feeding, unsanitary conditions or improper farming practices. I grow my own naturally fed rabbit, and buy whenever I can from local natural, organic or Certified Naturally Grown farmers who give public tours of their facilities regularly, as well as have yearly inspections.
I'm surely not going to pay thousands of dollars for the privlege of feeding my family our own home-raised meat either. This isn't just commercial farmers, this will effect everyone who has animals of any type (food, pets, etc.).
Curious? Read more at http://www.nonais.org
I know where my meat comes from. Do you ?
No, I don't know where all the meat comes from.
I've read a few articles since I posted my first question, and it appears that our current "system" for keeping the food chain safe is in worse condition than I thought. Here are a few things to worry about:
- Imported beef is allowed into the US from "low risk regions," without specific reference to the standards, including the use of feed, in place in those "regions." This beef can be comingled or ground up with US beef.
- U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration rules continue to allow rendered meat, blood and bone meal from slaughterhouses in livestock feed.
- AMR (Advanced Meat Recovery) systems allow spinal tissue to be labeled "100% beef."
That said, I am not advocating NAIS. Even if this program were fully implemented, it appears that it would be ineffective in dealing with a BSE outbreak.
- Other properly-tagged "animals of interest" may well have been slaughtered by the time tracing occurs.
- Apparently the envisioned tracking would stop at the packing house, without punching through to the end consumer.
- RFID tags are not especially "secure," so tampering would be possible.
- And yes, it's a huge, draconian governmental system that would cost lots of money without doing much (if any) good, while ignoring significant problems that exist at large, politically well-connected livestock industry interests.
Dave, well reasoned reply. *smile*
Yes, our current system is horrible. That's why the only way to have any security in what you eat is to know your producer.
Of course that also goes for all of the other types of food. There's a huge movement going on across the world right now. A movement towards locally-grown foods. Look up "The 100 Mile Diet" on wikipedia for info on that and links to more information.
I'm always up for a good conversation. :D
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