Here we go again. The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) will shut down at the end of the month if Congress does not approve funding for the program. After 26 years of helping keep our food supply safe, the program will be allowed to die.

FARAD is the primary source of scientifically based recommendations for withdrawal intervals after extra-label drug use. It is also the primary source of residue mitigation information when food animals are exposed to environmental contaminants. FARAD has been in existence since 1982 and is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (USDA CSREES).

Since 2000, FARAD has received funding through congressional earmarks, but in 2007 and 2008, FARAD did not receive any funding from Congress. At the last minute, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine stepped in and provided funding that will keep FARAD open until the end of September 2008.

AVMA is working with Members of Congress, the executive branch and stakeholders to find a long-term solution to FARAD's funding difficulties. Right now, there's $800,000 in the Senate Appropriations Bill for FY09 and $400,000 in the House's version. But that's not enough-and, given the political atmosphere, it is doubtful that Congress will pass any appropriations bills this year.

Call us semi-pleased with the action thus far – because these amounts fall far short of the $2.5M/year needed to keep FARAD functioning. In the short-term, we are workin g on getting funding into the Domestic Supplemental Spending Bill, which may be considered in September. This may help bridge the gap until FY09 monies become available next spring.

At the same time, the GRD staff will continue to work with members of both the House and the Senate, USDA and FDA to ensure that an appropriate amount of funding is committed to the FARAD program in order to make it viable on a long-term basis.

How can you help? Every voice counts! Your congressional representatives need to hear from you. Every phone call, letter or email they receive about FARAD helps inch this vital program toward survival. Please click here to learn more about FARAD and click here to Take Action immediately.