WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) said that a USDA reassessment of the framework for a National Animal Identification System is a major signal that the agency has heard the concerns of members of Congress and the producers they represent. 

“I’m gratified that the USDA finally seems to be listening to the farm-state producers and their representatives in Congress who this rule would affect the most.  It is highly important that any traceability standards do not create unnecessary hardship or undue liability for the men and women responsible for cultivating our nation’s food supply,” Emerson said.  “I have long advocated for limits on this system to exempt producers who truly do not want to participate in it.  Now, it seems USDA is going back to the drawing board, and I will continue to work to ensure the agency recognizes all of the concerns of livestock producers with this process.”

Emerson supported language in the FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill that would have eliminated funding for the NAIS program.  She also authored legislation in 2006 to keep the NAIS as a voluntary-only system.  USDA now says the framework will undergo the full rulemaking process and apply only to animals which are part of interstate commerce.

“This welcome news is an appropriate step back from the aggressive manner in which USDA was moving forward.  I hope we can have a collaborative discussion with producers and agency officials about how any future traceback system can be implemented in a fair, voluntary, affordable way that respects the privacy of every operation in the industry,” Emerson said.