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WFU Calls for COOL to be Properly Implemented
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/18/2008

The Wisconsin Farmers Union said USDA's interpretation of the 2008 Farm Bill's country of origin labeling provision leaves a loophole that will circumvent the intent of the labeling law. WFU President Sue Beitlich says the measure explicitly states that 'animals exclusively born, raised and processed in the United States cannot be labeled under the multiple country category.' But USDA said they will allow packers, who do not wish to segregate their animals based on origin, to label exclusively American products under the multiple country category.

"Farmers Union has long awaited COOL implementation. We have worked to create provisions that would please farmers and consumers, and accommodate packer concerns," Beitlich said. "USDA has chosen to ignore the clear intent of the law."

The group, along with its national organization, say the agreement creates four labeling categories, including products exclusively born, raised and processed in the United States will be labeled as a U.S. product; products from animals that were not exclusively born, raised and processed in the United States and not imported for immediate slaughter will be labeled with all countries in which the animal may have been born, raised or processed; an animal that was imported for immediate processing may be labeled as a product of the importing country and the United States; and animals that were born, raised and processed in a foreign country will be labeled as a product of the country of origin.

"Consumers have a right to know where their food comes from, especially whether it originates from U.S. producers. Farmers Union is asking the USDA to clarify its ruling on this matter," Beitlich said.

Despite COOL's inclusion in the 2002 Farm Bill, the provision was never implemented. COOL is scheduled to go into effect October 1.


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