On June 12, US Sen. Dianne Feinstein filed an
amendment to the Senate Farm Bill.
This amendment, No. 2252, is joint
legislation created by the Humane Society of the United States and United Egg
Producers.
HSUS and UEP legislation could be a dangerous precedent for other agricultural industries |
Josh White, executive vice president of Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, is putting the call out
for YOU to call your state senators and ask them to oppose the amendment.
Neither of Georgia’s senators (Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson) have come
out publicly with a stance on the amendment, and we are not sure at this time
when it will hit the Senate floor for a vote. At the earliest, it could be this
Thursday — tomorrow.
Passing this “one size fits all” legislation
will take away producers’ freedom to operate in a way that is best for their
animals and it will ultimately limit consumer choices and increase food costs
for American families. Cattle industry leaders believe such legislation will
set a dangerous precedent and will encourage other special interest groups who
want to influence animal production practices without scientific bases,
resulting in higher production costs and job losses.
Commodity organizations including the Egg
Farmers of America, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers
Council, American Farm Bureau and others have serious concerns about any
federal legislation mandating production practices.
“Bottom line, we don’t want the federal
government passing specific animal production mandates into law!” White said.
To contact Sen. Chambliss, call 202-224-3521
or visit his website.
To contact Sen. Isakson, call 202-224-3643 or
visit his website.
We encourage YOU to contact your state
senators in Washington. Here’s some bullet points you can share with them:
·
More than 90 percent of all US
farms are owned by individuals, families or family corporations. Any
legislative mandate will add financial burdens on these family businesses.
·
Government mandates will
negatively affect niche producers who receive premiums for their chosen more
expensive production practices.
·
The World Association for Animal
Health is developing international species-specific animal care standards
guided by scientists and veterinary experts. The guidelines are based on
outcome requirements, not prescriptive housing, which US industry guidelines
are also based on. It is important for US guidelines to be consistent with
those of this organization.
·
Farmers recognize and follow
their moral obligation to provide healthy and humane environments for farm
animals by utilizing the latest research and modern techniques and training.
·
Federally mandated animal welfare
production practices in other developed nations haven’t shown a measured
improvement in animal welfare. Many of these countries have over-regulated
their farmers out of business and are now net importers of meat protein to feed
their consumers.
·
Legislation such as this will
limit scientific research and industry innovation that could benefit animals.
·
Commodity groups have developed
animal care standards, such as Beef Quality Assurance, based on science that
are continuously updated and are audited by trained third-party assessors. They
can be quickly modified and improved, unlike a legislative mandate.
Additional pertinent information can be
communicated via this prepared handout courtesy of NCBA. It’s got great facts
about the cattleman’s commitment to cattle care, the effects of the European
Union’s mandated production practices and more details on the future of animal
agriculture if this legislation passes. Click HERE to access that PDF online.
For questions or assistance about contacting your government leaders, call the GCA office at 478-474-6560 or email josh@gabeef.org.
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