South Dakota Stockgrowers Announce Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Bill Introduced by Senator John Thune.

The SDSGA is proud to announce new legislation being introduced the in 117th session of the U.S. Congress.  United States Senator John Thune (R-SD) is leading a bipartisan effort to fully reinstitute Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling or MCOOL in Washington D.C.  Thune, along with Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) will formally introduce the American Beef Labeling Act next week in the United States Senate. 

“Transparency in labeling benefits both producers and consumers,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, the current beef labeling system in this country allows imported beef that is neither born nor raised in the United States, but simply finished here, to be labeled as a product of the USA. This process is unfair to cattle producers and misleading for consumers. When you see a ‘product of the USA’ label on the grocery store shelf, it should mean just that.

“South Dakota cattle producers work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world. The pandemic has only highlighted their important role in our domestic food supply and the urgent need to strengthen it. To ensure the viability of cattle ranching in this country, the system in which producers operate must be fair and transparent. As a long-time supporter of MCOOL, I am proud to introduce this legislation, which will move us one step closer to making that a reality.” Thune added.

SDSGA Executive Director, James Halverson said, “We’ve been working with Sen. Thune for a long time on this bill. We believe the time is right to push this bill out and that there is a climate in D.C. to fully reinstate MCOOL.  It is our sincere hope we will see companion legislation in the House and we will find a way to get it across the finish line soon.

“A couple years ago we got together with state leaders here in South Dakota and decided to attack this issue with a different approach.” Said Halverson “Since that time we’ve successfully passed several resolutions in the SD Legislature directing the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to remove barriers to fully implementing MCOOL.  This legislation builds on those grass-roots efforts and gives the USTR and USDA 6 months to determine a means to reinstate MCOOL in compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.  No later than 6 months after that, MCOOL shall be fully implemented.”

“It’s time to restore Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) once and for all,” said Rounds. “This is an important step in restoring market integrity for consumers and cattle producers. For too long, the packers have skewed this market in their favor. Now, we take it back. I’m thankful to my colleagues for helping carry this important issue for consumers and cattle producers. I’ve long said that consumers will need to drive and help carry this policy debate. For those of us who support MCOOL for beef, this is just the start. The nine major cattle producing states won’t get this done alone. We need a national campaign to see this over the finish line.”

Halverson added, “MCOOL is the only way every, single, American producer can differentiate their beef from foreign products without leaving it up to some arbitrary program administered by the meat packing mafia who couldn’t care less about American consumers or producers. The American consumer deserves to know where the center of their plate was born, raised, and harvested.  American farmers and ranchers have invested countless amounts of time and treasure meeting consumer demand with the best beef in the world.  It’s time we give consumers what they demand, unmatched American beef.”

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of Sens. Thune, Rounds, Tester, and Booker continuing to push this issue in Washington.” Said Halverson.  Additionally, we are very excited to have the Senator our annual convention this Thursday Sept. 9th as well as staff members from our entire D.C. delegation to talk with folks about this and other issues.

Source: South Dakota Stockgrowers