To learn more about SHA's work on NAIS and the history of that work, click here to the archival Index page.

SmallHolders Alliance (SHA) started 6 years ago, with the onset of the USDA Scrapie Eradication Program. It was to unite small farmers in MA, so we could speak as a unit and not fight our battles alone. After a brief burst of action, SHA became idle. However, with the advent of the USDA's National Animal Identification System, I brought it back to life. SHA will continue to serve as a loosely based grassroots communication system between New England's small livestock farmers, but we will also use this site to communicate activities on the struggle against NAIS.

I am the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Liberty Ark Coalition, and am willing to speak to any group that wants to learn more about this program. If you'd like more information about Liberty Ark, or NAIS, check out the links on this page.

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5/15/08 Notice of Intent to Sue filed against USDA & MI Dept. of Ag
2/17/08 - NE and AZ have now both signed bills into law that would ban the use of mandatory NAIS in their states. It's a great beginning for all those who oppose NAIS.
10/23/07 - The Senate Agriculture Commitee has released its rough language for the Farm Bill, and it includes NAIS. The Committee will discuss the bill this week. Act Now.
10/21/07 - No Action Taken on MA SB 475 yet. Contact your State Senator and express your support for 475, which stops NAIS in all its forms, including coersion such as has been done in NC and CO.
Looking to Connect with other Small Holders? Join our Discussion email list. (This is a private list,
not Yahoo.)
Need hay? Just want to vent? Want some advice?
Have some animals for sale? Join SHA, no expense.

1/1007 - Senator Brewer sponsors Anti-NAIS Bill
(Senate Bill 475)

Based on the Liberty Ark Coalition's "Livestock Farms Freedom Act" this bill is modified for Massachusetts. If it passes in its current form it will stop any mandatory NAIS program in MA, from Premises to Tagging to Tracking. Complete wording for the proposed bill can be found here. For more information on citizen action in MA, click here. To see who has signed to support anti-NAIS legislation in MA, click here.

**A lot is happening around the nation regarding NAIS. I've kept only the most pertinent information on this page, but the original SHA index page is accessible. Just click here.

11/28 - MDAR has a new Commissioner, Mr. Douglas W. Peterson. SHA and LAC have sent a letter to Commissioner Peterson regarding the recent "Opt Out,"instructions sent by MDAR. If you'd like to see the letter, please click here. We encourage you to contact the Commissioner with your own views, as well as your State Senators and Representatives.

Read the Press Release here.

11/10 - Letters arrive from MDAR stipulating that Premises Program is being reinitiated. Those not wanting to be included must contact MDAR. MDAR announced on 11/20/07 that they will honor requests prior to 12/15/07 due to confusion in the text and delays in mailing. Click here to learn more about Opting Out.
5/15/08 - The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund has filed its intent to sue the USDA and Michigan Dept. of Ag to halt the implementation of NAIS in that state. The grounds for the suit can be found at www.farmtoconsumer.org. Though the suit includes Mich. Dept. of Ag, the outcome will be based upon the USDA's actions in developing the program. This will be an expensive fight, and not the first, if you can afford to financially contribute to the Legal Defense Fund, please visit their website at www.ftcldf.org, and spread the word about this development.
5/23/08 - Farm Bill Passes, despite Veto - The House and Senate have both voted to override President Bush's veto on the Farm Bill. The bill that passed contains no formal acknowledgement of NAIS, but Representative Peterson, of Minnesota, has vowed to make a mandatory NAIS happen in 2009. We need to contact our legislators, and candidates for election, and make sure they are aware of the problems with NAIS. Rep. Peterson's information does not come from small farmers, but from industrial agriculture, who have a vested interest in promoting NAIS and forcing small and sustainable farmers out of business using NAIS.
5/22/08 - NPR hosts NH new Ag Commissioner. Her platform is "buy local." Make sure she knows what NAIS means to that idea if it passes. You can contact her at LMerrill@agr.state.nh.us or learn about her at http://www.agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/commissioner/index.htm