Dear Friend,
New Mexico residents have the opportunity to assist the effort to stop the new FSIS rule requiring mandatory Electronic ID of cattle and bison (RFID).
Our friends at FARFA and R-CALF had a great meeting with with Rep. Gabe Vasquez's (D, NM-2) office about him potentially being a cosponsor to Hageman's Animal eID CRA (H.J. Res. 167).
We are looking for New Mexico members, who may be willing to meet with Rep. Vasquez, along with FTCDF, about this issue. If you have interest, please contact christinefarmtoconsumer.org.
We are also asking New Mexico constituents to call or email Rep, Vasquez's office to encourage him to sign on to the Hageman resolution. Individuals and organizations in New Mexico could have an impact on this resolution!
ACTION STEPS Contact christinefarmtoconsumer.org if you wish to be part of a meeting with Rep. Vasquez’ office.
Contact Rep. Vasquez's Office
Through Rep. Vasquez's website.
Washington DC Office 1517 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-2365
Las Cruces District Office
115 W. Griggs Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001Phone: (575) 323-6390
Carlsbad District Office
101 N. Halagueno St. Room #213 Carlsbad, NM 88220 For all mail correspondence, please send to the Las Cruces or DC office locations.
Albuquerque District Office
201 Unser Blvd. NW Unit 116 Albuquerque, NM 87121Phone: (505) 208-4777
3. Discuss the Key Points The cost of RFID tags disproportionately burdens small and medium sized independent farmers and ranchers.
The USDA rule allows large, corporate-owned herds to be grouped and tagged as one group, creating a huge loophole that keeps costs low for the companies.
Although USDA claims the rule is about animal health, it does nothing to prevent or treat disease. USDA hasn’t provided any data to show how it will significantly increase traceback – the agency simply assumes electronic systems will be faster, even though the experience in other countries, such as Australia, does not support this.
USDA’s press release focused on the real driver for electronic ID, namely greasing the wheels of the export market. This benefits the big companies, while putting the cost on the farmers.
RFID tags on the live cattle do nothing to increase food safety.
Mandating electronic ID hurts small farms and ranches and increases consolidation, based on the actual experience in our country.
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