Support Needed for the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank

April 13, 2011 — 

The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) is an important tool for food safety. FARAD provides scientifically valid information on how to avoid drug, environmental and pesticide contaminant residues in food animals and helps to avert food safety crises. No other federal or private entity duplicates FARAD.

FARAD funding remains a concern for the continued operation of that program. FARAD has operated on earmarks or congressional appropriations for a number of years. FARAD was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill at $2.5 million annually. Congress funded FARAD for $1 million, however this funding runs out in September of this year.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) has drafted a letter to her colleagues in the Senate to garner support for the continuance of FARAD. If you are interested in supporting the continued funding for FARAD, we would like to make you aware of this opportunity to contact your Senator and Representatives to let them know your position, and urge them to sign onto Senator Gillibrand's FY 2012 Appropriations Letter. Information regarding contacting your Representitives and Senators can be found at: http://www.contactingthecongress.org/