The Kentucky Cattleman’s Association is providing some clarification on the organization’s stance on the issue of cattle industry traceability that will be debated during the NCBA Cattle Industry Convention this week in Orlanda.
In a statement released Friday the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association says “It’s important to understand that the proposed policy is not the final version of the resolution to be put into NCBA’s policy book and most likely will receive amendments at NCBA Convention next week. Producer delegates from KY, and across the nation, will be at NCBA Convention and will sit through the grassroots policy process. Proposed policies are not official policy until approved by the NCBA Board of Directors. It will not automatically become a federal law once passed.
KCA will be engaged in the process and make decisions on behalf of our 32,000 producers across the state. KCA believes in a robust, voluntary traceability system. Based on producer and industry feedback KCA believes an effective animal disease traceability program should:
· Be compatible with private sector animal ID and verification programs backed by the USDA.
· Be compatible with the general traceability principles of World Organization for Animal Health.
· Recognize existing USDA programs for beef exports.
· Be built using infrastructure that supports other potential uses of ID.
· Utilize low-cost electronic official tagging devices paid for by federal and/or state funds, when possible.
· Require that cattle ID information for disease traceability be kept confidential and strongly protected from disclosure.
· Protect ownership information from disclosure to future owners.
· Protect producers from liability for acts of others, after the cattle have left the producer’s control.
· Operate at the speed of commerce.
· Maintain existing state brand inspection activities without replacement or impediment.
· Work within a framework to accommodate all classes of cattle.
Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association is a grassroots organization and our membership and Board of Directors have given guidance to stand behind supporting a strong animal disease traceability system. We look forward to participating in the process at the NCBA Cattle Industry Convention next week.