Michigan Farm Bureau and other major ag organizations are once again calling on Congress to quickly approve legislation that would help protect U.S. agriculture by bolstering training some four-legged detectives.
Introduced by Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee, the Beagle Brigade Act would provide permanent authorization for the National Detector Dog Training Center, which trains detector dogs — mostly beagles — and their U.S. Customs and Border Protection handlers to sniff out prohibited agricultural items that could carry foreign plant pests or animal diseases into America.
Kildee proposed the bill during the last session of Congress, but it was not voted on before new representatives took office. A bipartisan companion bill was also introduced in the Senate.
“I’m proud to partner with Republicans and Democrats to introduce the Beagle Brigade Act so we can strengthen the inspection of food imports,” said Kildee, who noted the legislation will help defend American agriculture against harmful diseases, such as African swine fever.
“Michigan’s farmers work hard to feed our families every day, and this bill will help to protect our local food supply.”
The training center primarily trains dogs to detect fruits, vegetables and meats in international passenger baggage, mailed packages and vehicles entering America. Dogs are selected from animal shelters, rescue groups and private owners, and those that do not complete training are offered for adoption.
Michigan Farm Bureau supports the bill and applauded Kildee and his colleagues for reintroducing the bipartisan legislation, said John Kran, MFB national legislative counsel.
“We need common-sense solutions like the Beagle Brigade to help protect our domestic food supply from harmful foreign animal and plant diseases and unwanted ag products,” Kran said.
Michigan Pork Producers Association CEO Mary Kelpinski said the Beagle Brigade Act is critical for our ag economy, trade relationships and will help provide consumers with a safe and affordable food supply.
Source: michiganfarmnews.com
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Government & Policy