Groups Show Support for SB 682

Yesterday, Jimmy and leaders of Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Texas Eagle Forum, Keller Horse Owners Association, US Boer Goat Association, Mid South Natural Organic Farms, and Texas Farmers Union testified in support of SB 682 by Eltife before the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committtee.

The bill would keep USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS) voluntary in Texas until the federal government makes the program mandatory, would allow participants to withdraw at any time, and would prohibit a person from making participation in any other program (stock show, etc.) contingent on participation in NAIS.

Representatives from Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) gave neutral testimony on the bill and offered their concerns about NAIS' potential costs and liability for producers. TSCRA's website, however, states that the organization opposes SB 682.

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) gave testimony opposing the bill. TFB's policy supports a voluntary NAIS but TFB contends that the bill is unnecessary and imposes a fee on participants. TCFA's policy supports a mandatory NAIS.

SB 682 was left pending in committee.