in state farmers’ markets, tailgate markets, and in purchases by state government.
Regulations governing custom slaughtering plants, locker plants, producer-slaughterers, dairying, syrup making or any other farm-produced product should be modified so as not to eliminate those local services and to allow face-to-face sales from farmer to consumer with minimum government interference.
We recommend that producers’ check-off funds not be used for political or legislative lobbying.
13. EQUINE INDUSTRY
West Virginia Farm Bureau supports updating the“ Horse Industry Impact Study on Economic Development and Tourism in WV” completed in 2005 by WVU.
West Virginia Farm Bureau supports the development of private facilities and public facilities to promote equine industry growth with a focus on educational programs, activities and tourism.
West Virginia Farm Bureau supports the recognition and classification of horses and other equine as a farm animal and their inclusion in state and national census counts. We also support the classification of the equine industry as an agricultural enterprise.
West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends that any equine species be included in the National Animal Identification System.
14. INTERSTATE SHIPMENT OF MEAT
WVFB supports the interstate shipment of meat with appropriate state inspection.
15. REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF LIVESTOCK, POULTRY AND AQUACULTURE
Farm profits depend on good animal care; therefore, farmers have an inherent interest in practicing good animal care.
West Virginia Farm Bureau opposes legislation that would give private organizations or public agencies, other than the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the authority to establish standards for the raising, handling, feeding, housing or transportation of livestock, poultry and furbearing animals. The West Virginia Department of
Agriculture should have sole authority in establishing these standards for these animals.
16. CREATION OF EXOTIC ANIMAL REGULATION BOARD AND AUTHORITIES
Through the legislative process, WVDA should be given the authority to regulate the possession and sale of certain exotic species by amending the Animal Regulations Act. These changes, as prescribed by the WVDA, will help protect the health and safety of humans and the state’ s agricultural and forestry industries, its wildlife and other natural resource interests from the introduction or spread of disease. This much-needed alteration to the Animal Regulations Act will also support stronger enforcement of the Homeland Security Act pertaining to agro terrorism.
The creation of an animal regulation board – which would include the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health and the Director of the Division of Natural Resources – should be included in the language of the legislation granting the WVDA the aforementioned powers. This board will be authorized to:
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Take recommendations from a technical advisory committee
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Seize and quarantine animals when there is probable cause to suspect the animal poses a threat to the health and safety of humans, other animals or certain industries Be a registering agency for pet shops
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Be a permitting agency for those breeding exotic animals
17. NAMING AND LABELING OF FOOD PRODUCTS
Misleading advertising is being practiced pertaining to imitation food products. This is especially true for milk, milk products and red meat, and causes considerable misunderstanding among consumers.
West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends the adoption of regulations providing that ingredients and cultural practices be clearly and correctly identified on labels and in advertising. Labels should also show the country of origin of all imported ingredients.
10 West Virginia Farm Bureau News