July 17, 2007

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Urges Congress to Stand Tall
for U.S. Ranchers and Consumers on COOL

For More Information: Danni Beer, USCA COOL Committee Chair  605/524-3383;
Email Contact: usca@uscattlemen.org
   
San Lucas, Calif. (July 17, 2007) - The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) is closely monitoring progress of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Farm Bill. "Cattle producers across the country remain steadfastly supportive of the ‘born, raised and slaughtered’ provision in the law," commented Danni Beer, USCA COOL Committee Chairman. "Striking or amending this language denies the entire purpose of a labeling law, and that’s what COOL opponents are seeking. They want to continue doing business as usual and that’s selling imported product under the U.S. label."

Striking or amending the ‘born, raised and slaughtered’ provision would exempt imported feeder cattle, allowing the product derived from these imported animals to be sold into U.S. markets as U.S. beef bearing the U.S. label.

As the House Agriculture Committee’s markup on the Farm Bill draws closer, amendments and alterations to the law’s language are being floated and circulated on an almost daily basis.

"The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association is pleased that support for implementing COOL remains strong on both sides of the aisle," noted Beer. "COOL has never been about one political party and that fact is more evident now than ever before. We thank both Republicans and Democrats for their work and support for COOL. We are depending on their leadership and commitment to advance this law to the finish line. Producers and consumers have been waiting five long years for COOL to be implemented. It’s time for Congress and USDA to answer the overwhelming support for food labeling."

U.S. export markets require segregation of U.S. product. "Congress will create trade barriers for beef exports and set the stage for lawsuits if the ‘born, raised and slaughtered’ provision is not preserved," noted Beer. A lawsuit surrounding Canada’s labeling law is playing out right now in that country. The suit alleges that too much imported product is permitted to carry the "Made in Canada label."

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service to develop methods to track imported animals that will not place an undue burden on producers. "Finding a way to utilize USDA’s current health standard of marking live cattle imports is critical," stated Beer. "This step alone will save the industry countless dollars."

"Cattle producers know each member of the House Agriculture Committee wants to do the right thing for U.S. producers and consumers. Creating division and opposition by seriously changing a law that has already been passed puts the entire Farm Bill in jeopardy as it comes to a vote by the full House."

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington D.C. to enhance and expand the cattle industry's voice on Capitol Hill. For membership forms and other information visit www.uscattlemen.org.