In response to federal mandates on private farms, incensed gardeners, are saying  – “No Chippin’ Chickens!”  This coming week, the State House in Columbia will be the battleground.

Aaron Bolinger, an activist for religious liberties, says the National Animal Identification System (or NAIS) is “Washington tyranny at its most perverse.  Installing RFID microchips in all forms of livestock, and registering everyone who grows tomatoes in their backyard, serves no purpose other than increasing federal control over our private lives.  Our Mennonite brethren even refer to this as the ‘mark on my beast’ program.”

In response, Representative and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Jeff Duncan (R-15 - Laurens & Newberry Counties) introduced the “No Chippin’ Chickens Act” in this session of the South Carolina General Assembly.  H-4840 is aimed at halting in its tracks the new federal mandate for creation of massive agricultural databases on everything from the largest corporate farms, to the backyard gardener.

“The gathering at the state capitol this week will be low-key,” says Bolinger.  “I’m not asking for pickets, demonstrations or large assemblies with guest speakers.  We just want farmers to show up, and talk to their Senators and Representatives about supporting Representative Duncan’s bill to stop this nonsense.  Those who cannot come to the Capitol can still voice their opinion by calling 803-734-3000, and asking their elected officials to sponsor and vote for passage of H-4840.”

For more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or meet near the Strom Thurmond statue on the state house grounds at 10 am on Tues, Wed or Thurs. this coming week.