USDA “Listening Sessions” on Country of Origin Labeling

Partly in response to questions and concerns raised by America’s cattle producers through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the USDA has announced it will conduct listening and educational sessions on Country of Origin Labeling in key cattle-producing states.

Although specific dates, times, and cities are yet to be determined, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced today plans for sessions in California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.  The objective -- to gain more public input and provide parties more information about the new Country of Origin Labeling law --  is consistent with policy adopted by the NCBA Board of Directors in February.

“Cattlemen in our state want to assure that any program implemented by the USDA is one that benefits producers and isn’t run contrary our needs,” says John Swanz, president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) .  “This goes to show the importance and benefits of being involved in and belonging to a strong national industry organization,” He says.  Directors from the MSGA introduced the resolution at the NCBA Convention in Nashville asking USDA to conduct such sessions.

“NCBA has historically believed that the impacts of this program must be carefully evaluated, and more information must be exchanged between policymakers and cattle producers prior to implementation of a mandatory Country of Origin program,” says Bryan Dierlam, NCBA director of legislative affairs.  “Cattle producers have asked for these informational exchanges, and USDA agrees that these forums will be valuable.”

The Country of Origin Labeling Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President as part of the 2002 Farm Bill. Voluntary guidelines were released in October 2002, and according to the new law, the rules become mandatory on Sept. 30, 2004.  Due to continuing concerns from producers about the auditing, verification and compliance costs associated with the mandatory Country of Origin Labeling program, a resolution passed by the NCBA Board of Directors in February 2003 calls for:

*  Congressional hearings on implementation of the law,

*  Regional USDA meetings on the law,

*  Development of educational and informational tools for producers, and

*  Communication of these tools with assistance from state cattle associations and related parties.

"It is important to eliminate confusion to ensure the process doesn't cause an undue burden on the nation's food and agricultural sector,” says Secretary Veneman.  The Secretary said details on the forums will be announced by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in the near future.