The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Ag Marketing Service (AMS) on Wednesday went a step further to encourage the widespread use of its National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The agency rolled out a draft business plan that shows how the NAIS will be integrated with AMSA's other marketing programs, such as the USDA Process Verified, the Quality Systems Assessment and the Non-Hormone Treated Cattle Programs.

Companies enrolled in those programs can meet their inherent animal identification requirements by using NAIS. In addition, using NAIS along with enrollment in the AMS marketing programs ensures that the cattle are eligible for the AMS Export Verification Program for Japan, a designation that could mean price premiums for U.S. cattle producers.

Finally, NAIS would make it easier to properly label product for sale at U.S. grocery stores and meet the objectives of the Country of Origin Labeling program. And contingent on the publication of a Final Rule for COOL, AMS and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will work to develop a COOL "safe harbor" for NAIS participants.

By Lisa M. Keefe on 4/3/2008 for Meatingplace.com