I haven't been on the forum in a while, so I'm just seeing this post.
When this "plan" first came out, all media implied it was mandatory. However, recently, I've read several news articles that say it is actually optional. And, really, it's not like they have the legal ability to enforce this anyway. It would have to be legislation, I would think.
I was planning on getting NPIP certified in a few months (when all my chicks are grown), so I guess I'll be "registered" then, but I am definitely not an advocate of this program!