R-CALF is encouraging its members, all livestock producers and consumers to contact their Senators and ask them to vote for American Beef Labeling Act of 2021. The measure co-sponsored by South Dakota Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds along with Jon Tester of Montana would re-instate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling. R-CALF Regional Director and Iowa producer Eric Nelson says he’s optimistic they can get this bill over the finish line with everybody weighing in.
R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard says the American Beef Labeling Act is a critical measure in restoring competition to the cattle market. He says they’re also looking for additional co-sponsors on the legislation.
Nelson says the M-COOL reinstatement bill is written so as to overcome WTO objections that led to the original bill’s repeal in 2015. He also says a study shows that everything else is labeled so it’s only fair to make sure U.S. beef and pork get labeled as do foreign products.
Bullard says they’re encouraging people to make their comments on the bill by logging onto their website and going to labelourbeef.com.
The American Beef Labeling Act directs the U.S. Ag Secretary and U.S. Trade Representative to determine a means of reinstating M-COOL in a manner that complies with WTO rules.
