Grants for cattle RFID in US

In June 2005, the US Department of Agriculture USDA indicated that it will now accept grant applications from state and tribal governments to continue registering premises as part of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). $14.3 million or so will be available to state and tribal cooperators, the department announced.

 

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said, "Identifying farms and ranches where animals are held is a first step in establishing our national animal identification system. More than 80,000 premises have been registered so far and that momentum is building."

 

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said the $14.3 million would help state and tribal governments continue the premises registration efforts they started in 2004. Of this total, $13.5 million will be immediately available to the states. Some has been set aside for each one based on its livestock population, land area and other factors.

To receive funding, applicants need to submit a detailed work plan and budget breakdown, as well as performance measures. APHIS officials said they have also reserved $845,000 for the tribes and are working with tribal liaisons to determine the most equitable method of distribution.

 

Funding application packages have been posted at www.grants.go . The deadline for applications is July 25. Following the selection process, all applicants will be notified of their funding status, USDA said.

For more on RFID on and in livestock read the new report "Food and Livestock Traceability" www.idtechex.com  and access the IDTechEx RFID Knowledgebase of over 1500 case studies of RFID in action in 68 countries www.rfidbase.com .