It is now public: NFU supports voluntary labeling — Terribly disappointing!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2015
Contact: Dave Ray, 202-368-7872
dray
NFU Applauds Sen. Stabenow for Working Towards a Solution on COOL
WASHINGTON (June 24, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson applauded Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) for her efforts to advance the stalemate on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) with the release of her draft bill that would make COOL voluntary for beef and pork.
“NFU has always fought for and deeply believes in mandatory COOL because it is in the best interest of both producers and consumers. We also recognize that Congress has faced tremendous pressure to cave into Canada and Mexico’s demands, even though there are likely several months of the WTO process remaining,” said Johnson.
The bill, if enacted, should resolve the current dispute against COOL at the World Trade Organization (WTO) by both Canada and Mexico. “A voluntary approach for beef and pork is a prescriptive solution to a very narrow problem identified by the World Trade Organization,” he said. “Furthermore, this approach is in concert with Canada’s own voluntary meat labeling process.”
“Despite strong public support for food labeling, some members of Congress are eager to repeal this law. NFU vehemently opposes repeal,” said Johnson. “We thank Senator Stabenow for her leadership and insight on this issue. While NFU is not pleased that Congress is intervening in the WTO process, this approach is much improved from the House bill that would repeal COOL even beyond the scope of the WTO dispute,” he said.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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