Over 140 agricultural and consumer groups are asking the Senate not to repeal or revise mandatory country of origin labeling. Two measures are currently before the Senate, one is to institute a voluntary COOL program and another is to repeal it entirely. The House already passed a measure calling for repeal. The South Dakota Livestock Auction Market Association has joined the coalition. President Brad Otte says their policy backs the law.

Otte says Congress should wait to make any changes until the WTO rules on the most recent U.S. appeal of their decision that the measure was trade distorting.

He says his group was asked by R-CALF to join the coalition and back the mandatory law.

Canada and Mexico are threatening retaliation against the United States unless Mandatory COOL is repealed.