NPPC Embraces Potential One Year Delay In Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1282. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
20 June 2003
3 minute read
  Farm-Scape is sponsored by
Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork  Play AudioFarm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork. |
Farm-Scape, Episode 1282
The National Pork Producers Council is embracing an expected one year delay in implementing mandatory Country of Origin Labelling.Country of Origin Labelling is a provision of the 2002 US Farm Bill and is due to become mandatory in September 2004.
On Tuesday House of Representatives Agriculture Appropriations Sub-committee Chair, Henry Bonilla put forth an amendment that would prohibit USDA from using 2004 funding to implement mandatory Country of Origin Labelling.
National Pork Producers Council Communications Director Cara Flynn says, if the amendment is approved, it'll mean a one year delay in implementing the mandatory component.
"The one year delay amounts to, for us, more time.
USDA has conducted listening sessions around the nation on Country of Origin Labelling and will probably take additional time to review the comments that were submitted at those listening sessions.
Also several groups, whether in opposition or in favor of Country of Origin Labelling submitted comments back in April.
Again, they'll have more time to review those comments on both sides of the issue and make some decisions as to how this all will eventually be implemented.
I think it's very possible that we're still, unfortunately, going to have a mandatory Country of Origin Labelling system.
However I think that, in light of all the many people that have come forward indicating that they are concerned about the cost of implementing this program, it will be made into a more reasonable or workable program".
Flynn says the National Pork Producers Council believes further review of the labelling issue is needed and it welcomes the prospects of a one year delay.
She says Congress is due to recesses July 4, and a final decision on whether Bonilla's amendment will proceed is expected before then.
For Farmscape.Ca, I'm Bruce Cochrane.
