A USDA-contracted study on COOL has been released shortly before the WTO is expected to issue a final ruling in the case Canada and Mexico brought against the U.S. USDA sent the study to the House and Senate Ag Committees showing COOL has no economic benefit in the meat industry. The report is likely to play a role in how Congress handles the future of the program.

House Ag Committee Chair Micheal Conaway says if the WTO rules against the U.S. he will introduce a repeal bill and won’t wait for retaliatory measures.

Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts says he’s not sure if he has enough votes in the Senate to repeal Country of Origin Labeling.

The WTO ruling is expected May 18.