Action Alert: USDA Listening Session on NAIS
Farm to Plate 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/15/09
Voice Your Opinion on Mandatory NAIS (National Animal Identification System) Legislature at USDA Listening Session on May 20th in Austin
Austin is one of the locations for a USDA “listening session” about the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The NAIS would impose severe hardships on small farmers, and impact anyone who owns even one livestock or poultry animal, even those raising animals for their own food or as pets. While benefiting Big Ag’s export market, NAIS could cripple small farmers who provide grass-fed meats, eggs, and dairy to local consumers.
Key Congressional leaders have called for a mandatory NAIS, and Secretary Vilsack has indicated that he plans to push forward with the program. It’s going to take a lot of people speaking up loud and clear to keep a mandatory NAIS from being imposed on every livestock owner in America! These listening sessions are a critical opportunity to get media attention on NAIS and demonstrate the level of opposition to the program.
Please come to the meeting! You can have an impact simply by being there and showing that a lot of people are opposed to NAIS!
For more information about NAIS, go to www.farmandranchfreedom.org
Take Action # 1- Come to the Meeting!
WHERE: Austin, TX: Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Central, 5901 N IH-35
DATE: Wednesday, May 20
TIME: Registration starts at 8 am. The meeting is from 9 am – 4 pm.
REGISTRATION is required:
1) Pre-register Online: Send an email to NAISSessions@aphis.usda.gov In the subject line of the e-mail, indicate your name (or organization name) and the location of the meeting you plan to attend. If you wish to present public comments, please include your name (or organization name) and address in the body of the message.
2) Pre-register by Phone: call 301-734-0799.
3) Register the day of the meeting, from 8 am – 9am at the meeting location.
WHAT TO DO:
1) Bring written comments! They can be very short, just something to put into the record that you oppose NAIS. It’s best to bring two copies – one to hand to the USDA staff and one to keep so that you have a record of what you submitted.
2) If you want to speak, plan a short statement (3 minutes).
3) The USDA coordinator has stated that the afternoon will consist of “facilitated sessions,” where the attendees will be divided into groups to develop solutions. Be prepared to politely disagree with the facilitator. If they claim that a “consensus” has been reached with an answer that you don’t agree with, say so!
You can also check USDA’s website for more information: http://www.usda.gov/nais/feedback
Take Action #2 – Submit written comments online.
You can also submit comments online by clicking here.
Although the USDA did not specify a deadline in its notice, a USDA official has stated that the deadline is Monday, June 1.
We will post sample comments on our website soon. If you want to comment before then, you can get ideas from the sample comments provided in an earlier action alert: http://farmandranchfreedom.org/content/action-02-02-09
Take Action #3 – Spread the Word and Get The Media’s Attention!
Help us have an even greater impact! Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about the meeting. You can download a flyer from: http://farmandranchfreedom.org/content/federal-updates (just scroll down to “Take Action #4″)
We also need your help to alert the media! Contact your local newspaper, favorite radio station, and TV news station. Tell them that you’re coming to this meeting and you think it’s an important story for them to cover. Thank you for your support of this time-sensitive issue.
About Sustainable Food Center
With roots dating back more than 30 years, SFC is involved in every step of the local food system from seed to table. Our mission is to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food.
Contact Information
Susan Leibrock
Community Relations Director
Sustainable Food Center
512-236-0074 ext. 111
