Sep. 11, 2008

COOL Affidavit Eases Burden on Producers: Eller (Part I)

On Friday a coalition of livestock and other groups presented to USDA Undersecretary Bruce Knight a proposal for an affidavit program that would ease the requirements of producers under the new mandatory Country of Origin Labeling law. Burton Eller, who is the senior vice president for government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says the law initially wasn’t very accommodating to U.S. producers.

Cut  #1:       :23        Out cue: “… came out in Congress.”

According to Eller, the new affidavit is designed to remove some of the burden on U.S. producers, especially during a time of year that’s very busy for them.

Cut  #2:       :19        Out cue: “… wholeheartedly supports it.”

Eller says Undersecretary Knight agreed with the industry’s treatment of cattle born between July 15 and Sept. 30.

Cut  #3:       :29        Out cue: “…to the chain.”

These kinds of solutions aren’t always identified this easily in the livestock industry.

Cut  #4:       :09        Out cue: “…work with that group.”

Eller says there will be a six month period during which the program will be implemented. No fines will be levied during this period, which will give the industry an opportunity to get things up and running with no fear of penalty.