Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

The 2008 Farm Bill defines livestock as meaning “all animals raised on farms,” and in the accompanying explanatory language, alpacas are specifically mentioned.  This is great news for the alpaca industry.

Because of the alpacas’ newly-acquired federal designation, alpaca breeders will now have access to myriad programs previously available only to more traditional livestock producers.  These programs include grants to cover the cost of soil and water conservation projects on farms or for the marketing of the end products, as well as disaster assistance to cover the cost of lost production.  Low interest loan programs are available for business expansion, construction of new facilities, or innovative fiber processing techniques.  Low-interest loans are also available for non-traditional or ethnic-minority farm owners, including women!

In addition to accessing grant and loan programs, a Federal designation as livestock helps breeders who are struggling with zoning, tax, or other state or local government issues.  Being classified as livestock at the federal level provides ammunition against having alpacas labeled as “exotics,” or similar designations that lead to zoning or regulatory headaches.  It may ultimately assist those battling the application of sales and use taxes to the selling of alpacas.

Finally, the federal recognition of alpacas as livestock means those in the alpaca business can more easily join forces with their compatriots in other livestock industries to make their voice heard on Capitol Hill.  This is a large step forward in forging mutual beneficial relationships with the wool, mohair, and other similar livestock organizations.