I doesn't seem to me that the people representing the anti-NAIS side of the table have done their research properly. I know you should take what you read from the government with a grain of salt but the actual website for NAIS, http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/index.shtml seems to lay things out fairly simply.

The program is voluntary at the Federal level and is free besides what a farmer might incur incidentally, a typical tag costs about $2.50 according to online farm supply retailers. States can mandate participation in the program but have not to my knowledge.

Animal agriculture is the focus, livestock and poultry. I quote from the FAQS "cattle and bison; poultry; swine; sheep; goats; cervids (deer and elk); equines (horses, mules, donkeys, burros); and camelids (llamas and alpacas).

Another blow to their side concerning those who 'wish to live off the grid' is this stretch.
"For example, the following situations are not applicable to NAIS:

* Livestock that never leave the premises of their birth, even if they move from pasture to pasture within that premises, do not need to be identified
* Animals that never leave their premises other than when they "get out"
* Animals that are only moved directly from their birth premises to custom slaughter
* The participation of animals in local trail rides
* The movement of animals to small local parades or fairs (Many local fairs and similar events may have their own animal identification requirements that are not affected by NAIS. You should check with animal health officials or event organizers for any such existing requirements.)"

Seems to me like this initiative is a good idea. I want to know that my food is safe.