While some ag groups and FSIS are working on a voluntary country of origin labeling program, the Minnesota Milk Producers Association is opposed to such action. President Pat Lunemann says had mandatory COOL not been repealed as part of the recent budget bill, the U.S. dairy industry would have been one of the hardest hit by the retaliation.
He says with COOL repealed, trade can now move ahead between the U.S., Mexico and Canada…which is a benefit to all the countries.
Lunemann says going to a voluntary labeling program would not have solved the problem and he’s hoping it doesn’t re-emerge.
He says the U.S. dairy industry has been struggling with low milk and cheese prices lately and doesn’t need any more economic pressure at this time.
