This is the
first time I am putting a political issue on my blog, but the threat of the
National Animal Identification System to my family’s ability to purchase
healthy food has caused me to break this self-imposed political ban. I hope
that folks will make their voices heard. As a former government agency worker,
lobbyist, and non-profit employee, I know that your voices are important!
This action
alert was distributed by the Weston A. Price Foundation (www.westonaprice.org):
USDA has
released the specific locations for the remaining six "listening
sessions" on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). This week's listening session in
Colorado was, yet again, dominated by individuals and organizations opposed to
NAIS! Help us build the momentum against NAIS, with bigger and bigger crowds at
each meeting. Come to the
meeting nearest you, and bring all your friends and neighbors!
If you can't
come in person, USDA is accepting written comments both online and through the
mail. Details on where, when,
and how to take action to stop NAIS are all below.
For more
information about NAIS:
http://www.FarmAndRanchFreedom.org
http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/nais.html
http://www.westonaprice.org/federalupdate/nais.html
Take Action #1:
Go to a meeting!
Tuesday, June
9: Jefferson City, Missouri: Truman Center, 1510 Jefferson Street
Thursday, June
11: Rapid City, South Dakota: Holiday Inn Rapid City, Rushmore Plaza, 505 North
Fifth Street
Tuesday, June
16: Albuquerque, New Mexico: Route 66 Casino & Conference Center, 14500
Central Avenue, SW
Thursday, June
18: Riverside, California, location tbd
Thursday, June
25: Raleigh, North Carolina: Jane S. McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman Street
Saturday, June
27: Jasper, Florida: Hamilton County Extension, 1143 NW US Hwy 41
TIME: Registration starts at 8 am. The meeting is scheduled from 9 am -
4 pm, although several meetings have ended early.
REGISTRATION:
1) Pre-register Online: Send an email to
NAISSessions@aphis.usda.gov In the subject line of the e-mail,
indicate your name and the location of the meeting you plan to attend. If you
wish to present public comments, include your 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,
starting at 8 am at the meeting location
Check out the
video recordings and public comments from the listening sessions, posted at http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/nais-listening-comments.htm
Take Action #2:
Submit written comments!
USDA's website
now indicates that it will accept written comments through August 3, 2009. But don't wait! Submit comments now, before it slips
your mind.
You can use the
sample comments posted at: http://farmandranchfreedom.org/content/Sample-comments Be sure to personalize them to
have the greatest impact!
Submit comments
ONLINE: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2009-0027
The Federal
Register site can be confusing and difficult.
Here's what to do:
1) Click on the yellow balloon under the
"add comments" column
2) Fill out the required fields and type
in your comments. If your comments are more than a paragraph or so, we
recommend that you first write them in a word document, and then copy &
paste them into the comments field.
3) Click on "next step"
4) At the end of the process, you should
receive a confirmation number.
or MAIL to:
Attn
NAIS
Surveillance
and Identification Programs
National
Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, APHIS,
4700
River Road Unit 200
Riverdale,
MD 20737
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