Washington seen as well prepared for animal traceability rule
Washington Ag Today August 17, 2011 Although he is still studying the USDA’s recently proposed rule on animal traceability, Jack Field, Executive Vice President of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association can say this about the department’s new plan. Field: “It demonstrates USDA’s interest and willingness to come back to the table, listen to the comments, and hopefully do a much better job of incorporating the feedback they received when they trotted out NAIS. That was met with strong opposition. There were several concerns. I think they have done a very good job in trying to address everybody‘s concerns and still come up with a plan that will provide a framework for animal disease traceability.” The proposed rule focuses on interstate movement of livestock only and Field says there are opportunities for hot brand states like Washington, which he says the WCA will emphasize in its comments to the USDA. Field: “The good thing here, I am confident that in Washington state with the leadership we have had from Dr. Eldridge, I think we are light years ahead of virtually every other state in the union. And I think at the end of the day the implementation of this rule is going to have very little, if any impact, on the producers here in Washington due to the good job the Washington State Department of Agriculture has done in preparation.” The public comment period on the proposed rule runs to November 9th. I’m Bob Hoff and that’s Washington Ag Today on Northwest Aginfo Net. ?
