I see that the
USDA now has a User Guide out for the NAIS program. It supersedes the earlier Draft that made NAIS mandatory. It can be found here,
NAIS-User Guide
I read it quickly looking it over for the key concepts that were important. There were two words that jumped out at me throughout the document. "Federal level." Here's an example.
When producers consider participating in NAIS, there are three key points to remember in understanding
how this program works:
1) Participation in NAIS is voluntary at the Federal level. There is no Federal requirement for
producers to participate in any aspect of the program.
2) Federal law protects individuals’ private information and confidential business information from
disclosure. USDA will continue using its authority to protect individuals’ private information and
confidential business information provided by NAIS participants.
3) NAIS is a State-Federal-industry partnership that continues to evolve to meet producer demands.
NAIS works best if there is active involvement and feedback from the States, industry, and
producers.
You see they are very careful to say that NAIS is "voluntary at the Federal level." Such key words. They couldn't stand the heat from producers on the voluntary mandatory issue so what are they doing? Passing it off to the states.
BEWARE, THE FEDS ARE GOING TO PRESSURE THE STATES TO MAKE NAIS MANDATORY.
You see my prediction. we need to work now at the state level to ensure that NAIS does not become mandatory at the state level. Heed my warning, the feds will press so we need to press back harder. Contact your state representatives, Governor and State Veterinary. Express your opposition to mandatory NAIS. Together we can defeat this.
An ear tag never stopped a disease, but together we are stopping the Feds.
