Member Login
2008 Policy Book
First | Previous | Next | Last | 2008 Index | Policy Book Archive#35 PRIVATELY-OWNED CERVIDAE
We urge the privately-owned cervidae production industry, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan State University (MSU) continue to work cooperatively to address the marketing, regulatory, and research needs of the industry and the State to facilitate the growth of the industry.
We support the designation of privately-owned cervidae as minor species at the federal level so research data can be used to approve animal health products for use in these species.
We support legislation recognizing privately-owned cervidae production as an agricultural industry with full benefits of traditional agriculture extended to this industry, such as tax status, production insurance, health certification, loan guarantees and expedited approval. We oppose any permanent jurisdictional transfer of the privately-owned cervidae program out of the MDA.
We oppose any federal regulatory agency that would duplicate, supersede, or conflict with state regulations which would control the privately-owned cervidae production industry at the state level.
Federal activities affecting the privately-owned cervidae production industry should be under USDA control, including facility inspection programs.
We support:
- A scientific study of the beneficial environmental and economic effects of raising cervidae on marginal land in Michigan.
- The strict enforcement of current laws and penalties in cases of harassment, theft, and/or willful destruction of privately-owned cervidae operations.
- A MSU livestock academic program in the Animal Science Department to focus on privately-owned cervidae.
We oppose mandatory double-fencing at producer cost.
