MENOKEN, N.D. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently published a final rule that would gut mandatory country-of-origin labeling. COOL was written into law in the 2002 farm bill and after remaining dormant because of stripped funding once again was written into the 2008 farm bill.
As the implementation date drew near, the Canadian government filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization against the United States, claiming unfair trade practices. In January, USDA published a final rule for COOL that appeased the Canadian government. After publication of the final rule, the Canadian government put its complaint on hold. By using a loophole in this final rule that would allow beef born raised and processed in the U.S. to be labeled with a multi country or NAFTA label instead of "Product of the USA" label, USDA undermined the intent of COOL. Fortunately, it looks like the new administration is putting this final rule on hold until it can be reviewed.
The Independent Beef Association of North Dakota will be working side by side with other organizations to ensure this rule is written and carried out according to the intent of Congress. USDA's final rule has met the wishes of a few foreign countries, multi-national packers and retailers. It should not be allowed to trump the wishes of U.S. consumers and producers.
Editor's Note: Heaton is president of the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota in Menoken.
