***************************

Update--Synopsis of HB147 hearing, February 19, 2008

***************************

WE WILL NOT COMPLY
Click for more information on Greg Niewendorp and Mark Nolt,
two NAIS resistors who are leading the way.

***************************

Our Mission Statement
To promote and preserve unregulated direct farmer-to-consumer trade that fosters availability of locally grown or home-produced food products.

***************************

Our Vision

We are a growing community of citizen-consumers dedicated to freedom of food choice in Maryland and everywhere else.  We come together as producers and consumers of food unwavering in our commitment to keep the earth sustainable and keep food choice available to every person.  To fulfill this, we must realize our rights as human beings and our freedom of choice as American citizens.

     We see a state abundant with independent farmer-to-consumer commerce.  Maryland will lead the way in promoting on-farm trade as our people discover the benefits of micro-farmed food.  With the return of holistic sustainable farming, the inherent bond between farmer and community will be revitalized in the years to come. Naturally, there will be a move toward supporting the farms that provide our staple foods and protect the lands which sustain our communities. The Maryland Independent Consumers and Farmers Association will foster this movement at the forefront. From the Appalachian Plateaus to the Delmarva Peninsula, we will secure the future of traditional farming. We can accomplish anything when we work together.

     With the help of the Weston A. Price Foundation, interest in traditional food has soared over the past several years. Marylanders are showing an increased attention and appetite for whole food. Many of us are feeling the benefits of getting closer to our food source.  We take the stand that every Maryland consumer deserves full access to the producer of their choice,  and  we want each of you to stand with us and do whatever you can. Now is the time to preserve our heath and liberty, we are in a position to make a huge difference!

     We ask you to work with us to create  new laws in Maryland that support a farming culture and a consumer’s right to choose.  Bit by bit, the state has taken away our right to obtain farm foods by crafting regulations that eliminate our choices.  They are subtle and sneaky.  We want to be bold and clear as we stand for what we believe in.

     One very serious threat facing small farms today is the USDA' s proposed National Animal Identification System (NAIS).  The USDA wants to microchip and track every livestock animal on every farm and home in the United States and register every premises where such an animal lives or passes.

     The exorbitant cost of this program would put small farms out of business.  Without small farms, the products we have grown accustomed to would cease to exist.   While this benefits huge agri-business, it will destroy independent farms.  MICFA will create a community of informed citizen-consumers so there will be no place for a government managed NAIS.

     We will soon be meeting with our delegates with some sample legislation for unregulated on-farm dairy sales and legislation to keep NAIS out of Maryland.  The members of the General Assembly need to know how important farms and farming issues are to their constituents (that means you folks!) and the formality of an incorporated organization gives us a strength we do not have individually.

     We would like to thank you for your devotion to holistic farms.  With your caring actions you are taking a stand for your own health and the health of the world.   We ask that you take a stand with us by becoming a member of MICFA.  We are creating a community that will open a world of possibility for yourself and future generations.

     This is going to be a wild adventure and we look forward to sharing it with you!