This week the World Trade Organization’s hearing on U.S. Mandatory Country of Origin Meat Labeling will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. The arbitration hearing comes as Canada and Mexico continue to demand the U.S. repeal the law. Canadian Cattlemen Association’s Director of Government and International Relations John Masswohl says full repeal is required to avoid retaliation because voluntary labeling doesn’t solve the problem.

Masswohl says Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will all make presentations to the Arbitration Panel. Canada is claiming damages are $3 Billion while Mexico is claiming $713 million and the U.S. is saying $91 million. He says the U.S. totals are off base.

Masswohl says it’ll be some time yet before Canada and Mexico come up with a final number they will seek with retaliation.

Meanwhile Canada’s Ag Minister Gerry Ritz says he’s confident in Canada’s economic analysis of the damage the trade distorting COOL has caused.