December 15, 2003

US To Pilot Country-of-Origin Labeling To Differentiate Domestic & Foreign Meats

The United States' National Cattlemen's Beef Association plans to create a pilot country-of-origin labeling program that is able to differentiate U.S. meat products from imported meats. 

Having aided in effectively delaying any mandatory labeling program until at least 2006, the association wants to work with grocers and packers on a voluntary program. Cattlemen want to know whether consumers will pay a premium for home-grown meat.

"We hope to be able to better determine the economic impact on producers," said Jim McAdams, a Texas cattleman and vice president of the National Cattlemen.

Last week, the Nebraska Cattlemen voted to continue support of a national mandatory program. However, officials of the national organization noted that Nebraska and South Dakota affiliates want changes in the country-of-origin labeling law to make it less cumbersome for producers.

"What our members have told us through votes was they want a country-of-origin labeling program that is beneficial to both them and to the consumers," McAdams said.

McAdams said board members hope to have more details about a labeling program when the group holds its national convention in January.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has had a voluntary labeling program for at least three years, but no agency has followed it.

Retailers, including the nation's largest grocer, Wal-Mart, lobbied Congress to halt the labeling law. Still, the cattlemen believe they can create a pilot program with grocers that would work.

"We have confidence we can find partners," McAdams said.