CONTACT:    
Karen Batra, (202) 347-0228, kbatra@beef.org

Tanya Augustson, (202) 347-0228, taugustson@beef.org

Cattle Producers Urge Support of Food Promotion Act

Santorum Bill will move country-of-origin labeling in Senate

Washington, D.C. (June 23, 2005) – America’s cattlemen applaud efforts in the U.S. Senate to move common sense country-of-origin labeling forward.  Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) introduced the Food Promotion Act today. If passed, the bill will amend the Agricultural Marketing Act to establish a voluntary labeling program for agricultural products, including beef. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has long supported country-of-origin labeling.  NCBA President and Texas cattle producer Jim McAdams says cattlemen are anxious to implement a program that will identify and promote American-grown beef. 

“We’ve been chasing this rabbit for years,” says McAdams.  “We’re hopeful that these efforts in Congress will finally allow us to implement country-of-origin labeling in a manner that will be beneficial to producers and consumers.” 

The Food Promotion Act has a number of advantages over country-of-origin programs proposed in the past, including:  

• The Food Promotion Act puts the marketplace in charge
  Food producers are in the business of meeting consumer demand. Where that demand is demonstrated, more products labeled with country-of-origin will become available.
• Opportunity for broad participation
  This program does not discriminate against any groups in the food production, retail or food service sectors.  The program is open to everyone that wants to participate.  More participation equals more promotion of U.S. product!
• Successful models already exist
  Under this bill, USDA will implement a labeling program that will be similar to the many voluntary labeling programs that currently exist.  Hundreds of programs that label products by region, state and U.S. brand have already proven their value for producers and consumers alike. 

“It’s important that country-of-origin labeling be dictated by the marketplace – not by the government,” says McAdams. “Farmers and ranchers don’t come out ahead when the government tells us how to promote and sell our products. This program puts producers and the marketplace in charge.”

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