Country of Origin Task Force Develops Action Steps for Labeling Program

A National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Country of Origin Labeling Task Force has taken the first steps to create a successful country of origin labeling program. The program would consist of a U.S. label that provides value to the consumer and meets the expectations of producers who want the beef from their cattle to carry the USA label.

The Task Force, representing all industry segments from the cow/calf producer to the consumer, outlined the initial steps during a Dec. 9-10 meeting in Denver.  The plan will be presented to cattlemen at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Phoenix, Jan. 28-31.

The Task Force identified two key actions:

• Cooperate with representatives from the food industry to develop pilot projects for country of origin labeling using existing USDA guidelines.  This includes all segments of the industry, from cattlemen to the retail sector.
• Conduct consumer market research to identify benefits to producers and consumers.  

“Cattlemen want country of origin labeling and we are working on a program that meets their needs,” says Jim McAdams, NCBA vice president.  “We’re about creating a workable solution to address their concerns.”

The pilot programs would be conducted under existing approved USDA programs.

The first steps, to take place in January, would be to identify existing programs that could be used as partners/models for NCBA pilot projects. Likewise a meeting will be held with other industry segments to review the task force recommendations and seek input and participation.

 “The goal all along has been to create a program that puts money into producers’ pockets, not one that subtracts from it,” McAdams says.  “Now we will return to our work of creating a country of origin labeling program that works – one that gives everyone who sells U.S. beef, not just retailers, the right to tell their customers that they sell the best beef in the world.  And we will work to do it in a way that is profitable for the participants.”

NCBA will ultimately use its pilot programs to determine how the industry will implement country of origin labeling for all segments of the beef marketing chain.  The efforts of the task force are being taken to meet expectations of producers and fulfill the directives approved by the NCBA Board of Directors.

“The key to this effort is coming up with a program that will create a net benefit to producers – that is, minimize the costs to cattlemen while maximizing the value to consumers,” says McAdams.  “Any country of origin labeling program must put money back into the pockets of U.S. cattle producers.”