Page 94 - Spring2009

because the Secretary is authorized to prohibit centralized food system and the sustainable, local food system. To one
entry into USDA-inspected slaughterhouses for degree or another, they all attempt to impose expensive, burdensome
animals not identified under the system. So any requirements on all farmers, regardless of the scale of operation or the
farmer that uses a USDA-inspected slaughter- management methods. True food safety reform needs to recognize that
house could be required to be in the program, foods such as grass-fed beef, lamb and poultry, processed in local, small-
even if his or her animals are raised and marketed scale operations, are not the same as—and should not be regulated the same
entirely within the state. as—feedlot meats processed at massive facilities and shipped all over the
HR 759, the FDA Globalization Act of 2009, country. Nor should a bag of spinach from a local CSA be subject to the
was introduced by Congressman Dingell (D-MI). same sort of regulations as a mega-spinach farm in California that ships
It applies to FDA-regulated products, not USDA its product all over the country.
meat inspection. The bill would impose regula-
tions on production and harvesting methods for STATE BILLS AND NEXT STEPS
fruits and vegetables, and would require farms Because of USDA’s method of implementing NAIS, in 2007 and 2008
to register under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. four states adopted laws barring their state agencies from implementing
It also mandates electronic record keeping and a mandatory NAIS. Arizona was the first, followed by Nebraska, Ken-
standardized lot numbers. HR 759 also calls for tucky, and Missouri. In 2009, multiple state bills that would limit NAIS
“registration fees” paid by food establishments to a voluntary program had been filed. All of the bills include protections
to generate revenue for FDA. against coercion being used to force people into the program. The bills
HR 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act, include: Arkansas HB 1046, Montana HB 551 and HB 592, South Dakota
is sponsored by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro HB 1224, Texas SB 682, Washington SB 5956/ HB 2086, and Wyoming
(D-CT). It establishes a new agency, the Food HB 263. At the time this article went to press, only the Texas and Montana
Safety Administration, within the Department bills were still alive.
of Health and Human Services. The new agency Weston A Price Foundation farmers and their consumers are at the
would take over the food safety responsibilities forefront of this fight because we know the value of good food. NAIS
currently held by FDA, but would not affect creates incentives for confined animal feeding operations, combined with
USDA’s authority to inspect meat and poultry. particularly heavy burdens for those raising animals on pastures where tags
The bill does cover meats that are not currently are often lost on fences and brush. It’s time to speak up to retain your right
inspected by USDA, such as bison, deer, and to farm and protect the availability of grass-fed meats, eggs and milk!
elk. HB 875 contains some good provisions, We need to educate legislators in every state, and in Congress, about
such as increased standards for imported foods the important benefits of grass-based livestock operations and the differ-
and increased inspections of food processing ences between them and the industrial agriculture system. One of the best
plants. But these positive provisions come with ways to do this is to meet with your legislator in person to talk about the
many extremely damaging provisions. The bill concept of real food safety from local, sustainable farms. A meeting or
requires a traceback system for food and gives phone call with the staffer who handles agricultural issues is also a great
the new agency authority to inspect farms, option for establishing a relationship that can lead to better representation
ranches, orchards, and vineyards. HB 875 calls of your interests in the state legislature and at the federal level.
for “good practice standards,” which is usually For the latest information and action alerts, sign up for free email
a euphemism for very restrictive requirements alerts at www.FarmAndRanchFreedom.org. The website also has materials
based on industrial farming practices, such as that you are free to download to share with your neighbors, customers,
not allowing animals to be raised on the same and local livestock-related businesses. For more information and help
farm as produce. with state bills and materials for educating legislators, email Judith@
None of the bills recognize the fundamental FarmAndRanchFreedom.org or call 512-243-9404.
differences in food safety between the industrial,

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Visit http://ppsingles.ning.com for a group for single people who eat traditional foods according to the research of
Dr. Price and Dr. Pottenger.

92 Wise Traditions SPRING 2009