American Society of Animal Science

Public Policy

The ASAS Public Policy committee was formed in 2009. The purpose of the committee is to help ASAS shape public policy and public opinion on current issues affecting farm animals and companion animals. In 2010, members of the committee began meeting with representatives from federal agencies (USDA APHIS, USDA NIFA, EPA, FDA CVM, USAID) to build relationships. The goal of these meetings is to make federal agencies aware of the scientific expertise and resources available within ASAS that could be used to develop science-based federal policies affecting poultry and livestock production. ASAS works closely with the Federation of Animal Science Societies, the Poultry Science Association, and the American Dairy Science Association to accomplish these goals.

Public Policy Committee Members

ASAS Representatives

Debora Hamernik (chair)
Todd Armstrong
Dean Hawkins
Rod Hill
Kris Johnson
Alison Van Eenennaam
Lowell Randel, SP Director
Walt Smith, SP Director

FASS Representatives

James Pettigrew (Chair), ASAS
Mary Delany (Past Chair), PSA
Elizabeth Briczinski, ADSA
Hugh Chester-Jones, ADSA-ASAS Midwest
Dean Hawkins, ASAS
Matthew Koci, PSA
Michael S. Lilburn, PSA
Mike Lacy, FASS
Karen Plaut, ADSA
Lowell Randel, SP Director
Walt Smith, SP Director


	Policy Statements Preserving Water Quality Associated With Livestock and Poultry Production Adopted on May 5, 2011 International Agricultural Development and the Role of Animals Adopted on May 5, 2011 Biotechnology as a tool to Enhance Sustainability for Animal Production Adopted on May 5, 2011 Nutrition and Health Provided by Animal Products Adopted on August 12, 2010 Farm Animal Well-Being Adopted on August 12, 2010 Preserving the Benefits of Antibiotics for People and Animals Adopted on August 12, 2010 Policy for Communication of Scientific and Public Policy Affairs Between FASS and Supporting Societies Adopted October 23, 2009 Policy: Ensuring Food Security through Research, Extension and Education Adopted October 23, 2009 Policy for Co-Promotionof Environmental Stewardship and Production Efficiency Adopted March 29, 2009


	2011 Letters of Support Signed by ASAS Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) / PCAST January 7, 2011

Zimbelman-Hafs Internship

Every year, the ASAS Foundation sends a student to intern in Washington D.C. By understanding the legislative process and the work of regulatory groups, interns can better understand how public policy influences animal agriculture. So far, Zimbelman-Hafs interns have worked with the American Meat Institute, the National Milk Producers Federation, and Representative Steve Austria of Ohio.

Applications for the Zimbelman-Hafs intership are due in the late fall. To apply for the Zimbelman-Hafs internship, contact ASAS CEO Dr. Meghan Wulster-Radcliffe at MeghanWR@asas.org.

Feedback from previous interns:

“It’s really neat to see how things come together from this side of the industry...I have an extremely unique opportunity to be on both sides of this." --Ben Williamson, 2011 Zimbelman-Hafs intern.

"Agriculture has taken me so far in this great life and I want to always be a part of it...Agvocating never takes a vacation." -- Carolyn Gravatte, 2010 Zimbelman-Hafs intern.

Farm Animal Integrated Research (FAIR) 2012

Farm Animal Integrated Research (FAIR) 2012 conference to be held on March 4-6, 2012 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA.

The goal of FAIR 2012 is to discuss and establish consensus priorities for animal agricultural research, education, and extension activities that can be used by federal research agencies, the allied animal industry, and state agencies. An outcome of the conference will be the creation of a document that can be used as a resource for policy makers and others engaged in the common goal to improve and sustain animal agriculture.

For more information click here.