Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee Ready to Protect State’s Animal Agriculture Industry

Memberships now available for groups and individuals

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (May 3, 2011) “” Farmers, livestock producers, horse enthusiasts and others from across Tennessee are banding together to protect one of the state’s top economic enterprises by supporting the Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee (FACCT).

The primary mission of the newly formed, nonprofit organization is to be a proactive voice for humane animal care, well-being issues and best management practices for farm animals. The coalition aims to reach out to producers, consumers, lawmakers and the media with facts about farm animal welfare.

“FACCT will advocate for our industry by telling the science-based facts about animal agriculture and the important role livestock plays in providing a safe, nutritious, abundant food supply in the U.S,” said Dr. David Whitaker, president of FACCT’s founding board of directors.

In addition to advocacy, FACCT will be an educational resource, providing training and information regarding farm animal welfare. Organizers also plan for FACCT to be a resource for first responders to crisis situations involving farm animals in the state.

“Until now, local law enforcement personnel and agriculture professionals have not had a place to turn when they need help in responding to an emergency,” said Whitaker. “We hope FACCT can fill that void by coordinating public and private Tennessee agency responses and drawing on the expertise of the local agricultural community to assist in humane rescue efforts.”

FACCT is the result of more than a year of careful planning by representatives of some 20 different state commodity trade groups, organizations, agriculture agencies and agribusinesses. The volunteer group began meeting following the well-attended Animal Agriculture Summit held in Murfreesboro in January 2010.

Group members worked to write bylaws, file legal documents and develop an in-depth business plan to structure an organization that they hope will be quickly recognized as the authority on farm animal welfare issues in Tennessee.

“We created this organization from scratch by incorporating the ideas of livestock owners, veterinarians, educators, researchers, regulators and many others who have an interest in protecting Tennessee’s animal agriculture industry,” said Whitaker.

FACCT’s first membership drive is under way now. Memberships are available to any group or individual who supports the organization’s goals. Membership information, as well as more details about FACCT, is available at www.TNFACCT.comor by contacting FACCT President David Whitaker at dwhitake@mtsu.edu.

 

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