In response to farmers’ concerns over the passage of House Bill 432- "Transportation of Swine," NC Choices, Animal Welfare Approved and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Veterinary Division will host a listening session for NC swine producers from 6:30pm-8pm on August 3rd, 2011 in Raleigh (see below for directions).
Governor Beverly Purdue signed HB 432 "Transportation of Swine" into Session Law on June 27th. The new law takes effect October 1st, 2011. Of primary concern to small and mid-sized swine producers is the new prohibition against the transportation of live swine unless the swine has an official form of identification approved by the State Veterinarian. Anyone who transports live swine without carrying official identification may be subject to civil penalty. This includes all swine being sold and transported to another farm and all swine being transported to a processing facility for home use or commercial sale. Swine remaining on your farm, and not being transported, are not subject to this law.
The implementation of the ID program is the responsibility of the NCDA&CS -Veterinary Division. The Veterinary Division has approximately 12 weeks to design and implement a program that will work for farmers of all sizes. Dr. Tom Ray, Director of Animal Health Programs at the Veterinary Division has offered to meet with swine farmers to further discuss the implementation of the program and hear specific challenges to small and mid-sized producers who will now be required to ID animals in transport.
Swine Producers: This is an opportunity to share your ideas and voice your concerns on how this new ID program will affect your operation. There is no need to RSVP and no cost to participate. If you cannot attend, contact Casey McKissick (casey@ncchoices.com) and provide him with written comments. He will ensure they are submitted to the Division. Prior to attending, please take time to review the following documents Session Law "Transportation of Swine"- as signed by Governor Purdue June 27, 2011 http://sfc.smallfarmcentral.com/dynamic_content/uploadfiles/882/Feral%20Swine%20Bill.pdf
NC Choices response to HB 432- "Transportation of Swine" http://sfc.smallfarmcentral.com/dynamic_content/uploadfiles/882/NC%20Choices%20response%20to%20HB%20432%206.2.11.pdf
Directions: The meeting will be held in the Jim Graham Building Hall of Fame Room, located at the State Fairgrounds complex (see directions here). The Jim Graham Building is adjacent to Hillsborough Street, and is best accessed through Gate 2 from Hillsborough Street, Gates 4 or 5 from Youth Center Road, or Gate 9 from Trinity Road.
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