<font color=Red>COOL Latest:</font> Johnson sponsors bill aimed at COOL implementation
COOL News Summary Page - Keep up to date with all the latest news and comment regarding the Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL) proposals for the US.
1 July 2005
29 minute read
This page provides an expanded list of news/links to COOL related stories pulled together into one single news file for ease of access. Certain articles will also be found in the general news section.
NOTE: A number of the older external links may have expired. For further information on such articles please contact the host web site.
NPPC - 29th June 2005
Pork Producers Urge Support for Meat Promotion Act, Implementing Voluntary Labelling Program
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. pork producers are applauding efforts by the U.S. Senate to implement a workable, voluntary, market-driven country-of-origin labeling program. The bipartisan Meat Promotion Act of 2005, S. ----, was introduced today on the Senate floor by Senate Deputy Whip Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), along with 14 additional co-sponsors.
helenair.com - 20th June 2005
Montana's meat label law illegal, group says
MONTANA - As the fight continues in Congress over mandatory meat labels, one also may be brewing in Montana over the state's labeling law. The American Meat Institute, a meatpackers' trade group, contends federal law — namely, the federal Meat Inspection Act — prohibits the state from requiring country of origin meat labels.‘‘No state may impose a labeling requirement that is different than or in addition to what's allowed under federal law,'' Mark Dopp, AMI senior vice president for regulatory affairs and general counsel, said in a recent interview.
NPPC - 9th June 2005
Pork Producers Applaud House Delay of Country-of-Origin Labeling Program
WASHINGTON, DC - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Don Buhl today commended the House of Representatives for approving a provision of the fiscal year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill that delays the date to implement the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program for meat.
Rapid City - 18th May 2005
Subcommittee votes to delay meat labeling again
WASHINGTON - Rep. Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D., blasted a House subcommittee's approval late Monday night of a spending bill that includes another delay for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat and meat products.
MeatingPlace.com - 5th May 2005
Voluntary COOL bill introduced in House
WASHINGTON, DC - The Meat Promotion Act of 2005, H.R. 2068, was introduced by a bipartisan group of congressmen, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Rep. Marion Berry (D-Ark.). The bill calls for a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program to supplant a mandatory program set to go into effect in September 2006.
AMI - 5th May 2005
New bill puts consumers in the driver’s seat regarding COOL
WASHINGTON, DC – The Meat Promotion Act, a bill that will allow U.S. consumers to determine the availability of country-of-origin labeling for meat products, was introduced in Congress today with Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Majority Whip Roy Blunt, and Marion Berry among the bill’s 34 co-sponsors.
The Independent.com - 6th December 2004
Mandatory COOL opposition still mounting
US - With agricultural officials in the United States still dealing with worries over mad cow disease and the prospect of the Canadian border opening up again for live cattle to enter the United States, opponents of mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) are still plotting to kill it, said the president of the National Farmers Union.
NPPC - 24th November 2004
Pork Producers Disappointed with Failure to Establish Voluntary COOL
WASHINGTON, DC - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Immediate Past President Jon Caspers today expressed his disappointment that Congress failed to adopt legislation in this session that would have established a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program and applauded Congressional leaders who supported the proposed legislation.
NPPC - 20th November 2004
Pork Producers Applaud Extension of Mandatory Price Reporting Provision
WASHINGTON, D.C - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Keith Berry today commended Congress for passing legislation to extend the Mandatory Price Reporting provision contained in the 1999 Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act, for one-year. The one-year extension expires September 30, 2005.
“While pork producers are pleased by today’s action, we call on members of Congress to take the lead in the reauthorization of this important tool which helps producers make knowledge-based decisions and to have a better understanding of the marketplace,“ said Berry, a pork producer from Greencastle, Ind.
AgriNews - 17th November 2004
Thune says he'd lobby for mandatory meat labeling
SOUTH DAKOTA - Sen.-elect John Thune, R-S.D., says he would go straight to the top if need be to help keep mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat and other foods. Asked Saturday whether he would lobby President Bush directly, Thune said, "I will. I'll be happy to convey that to the administration, to the president, to his people. I have in the past."
MeatNews - 17th November 2004
Make it mandatory
US - Nearly 100 organizations ask the U.S. Congress to keep mandatory country-of-origin labeling moving forward. Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America, Billings, Montana, said it was one of 95 agriculture-related organizations that signed on to a joint letter to several U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee leaders urging them to oppose any amendments to weaken or repeal the mandatory country-of-origin labeling law put in place by the 2002 Farm Bill.
The coalition sending the letter calls itself "Americans for Country of Origin Labeling" and collectively represents more than 50 million U.S. voters, R-CALF said.
MeatingPlace.com - 12th November 2004
Could Daschle defeat lead to voluntary COOL?
US - The defeat of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) gives the food industry hope that a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program may be instituted to replace the mandatory program currently slated for implementation, according to Tim Hammonds, president and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute. Daschle strongly opposed voluntary COOL.
theIndependent.com - 1st October 2004
Osborne: Labeling delay a broken promise
US - Only seafood still in line for country-of-origin labeling, and that's not required until April. Now that consumers will eventually have the right to know the country of origin of their fish and seafood products, Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., is more than a little dismayed that consumers don't have the same right to know where their beef comes from.
Meat News - 19th September 2004
COOL TIE
Last week, the U.S. Senate’s Appropriations Committee reached a tie vote of 14-14 on a proposed amendment to move the mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling date to Jan. 1, 2005, instead of Sept. 30, 2006.
American Meat Institute - 4th August 2004
Make COOL Labeling Voluntary
US - Mandatory country of origin labeling is "nothing more than a massive unfunded federal dictate that will not only fail to give the public pertinent information about products they wish to consume, but will hit American consumers in the pocketbook every time they try to put a meal on the table," says AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle in the Billings Gazette.
Agriculture Online - 26th July 2004
Groups differ in response to voluntary COOL bill
US - The House Agriculture Committee yesterday passed voluntary country of origin labeling legislation introduced earlier this summer by Ranking Member Charles Stenholm (D-TX) and Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). The Food Promotion Act of 2004 would amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the voluntary labeling of produce, meat, and seafood with country of origin information.
American Meat Institute - 22nd July 2004
AMI praises ag committee approval of bill to make COOL voluntary
WASHINGTON, DC - The American Meat Institute (AMI) today gave high praise to the House Agriculture Committee for its overwhelming approval of a bill to make country-of-origin labeling for meat, seafood and produce voluntary.
Agrinews - 5th July 2004
Legislation introduced to keep country-of-origin labeling voluntary
US - Ranking members of the U.S. House introduced legislation that would effectively kill the mandatory country-of-origin labeling of food, originally introduced in the 2002 farm bill. U.S. Rep. and House Agriculture Committee Chair Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-Texas, unveiled the Food Promotion Act this month. The bill would amend the Agricultural Market Act of 1946 and direct the secretary of agriculture to establish the voluntary labeling of meat and seafood with country-of-origin information.
Southwest Nebraska News - 23rd June 2004
Voluntary COOL Legislation is a Smokescreen to Eliminate all COOL
US - National Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) President Ina Selfridge today called the Goodlatte-Stenholm legislation to replace mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) with a voluntary program a “smokescreen to eliminate all COOL“. WIFE supports mandatory labeling of all imported products before the point of importation with meat labeled as a product of the US only if it is born, raised, and processed in the United States.
Cattlenetwork.com - 16th June 2004
House Members Introduce Bill to Replace Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling with Voluntary Program
US - House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Ranking Member Charlie Stenholm (D-TX), announced introduction of voluntary country-of-origin labeling legislation. At introduction the bill had 13 additional cosponsors and more than 325 organizations offering support.
American Meat Institute - 16th June 2004
AMI applauds Voluntary COOL Bill
US - The American Meat Institute (AMI) today applauded the introduction of a bill to make country-of-origin labeling - slated to go into effect in September 2006 - voluntary instead of mandatory, calling the approach "sensible and cost effective."
theIndependent.com - 28th May 2004
Nelson questions whether there's enough time to implement COOL
US - A number of Nebraska farm and rural organizations are supporting legislation introduced last week in the Senate to restore the Sept. 30 implementation deadline for country of origin labeling. But U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., questions whether there's enough time to implement the mandatory labeling program.
Reuters - 19th March 2004
Start US meat-origin labels now, not 2006-Lawmakers
WASHINGTON - Foodmakers and grocers would begin applying country-of-origin labels on red meat, seafood, produce and peanuts on Sept. 30 -- a return to the original starting date -- under a U.S. House bill unveiled on Thursday.
The bill would overturn a two-year delay approved by Congress in January. Fish were the only foods not affected by the delay. Farm and consumer groups support the labels as a way to distinguish U.S.-grown goods from foreign competitors on the grocery shelf.
Western Producer - 30th January 2004
U.S. labelling delay good news for Canada
BANFF - The United States Congress has delayed country-of-origin labelling until 2006, giving Canada time to encourage greater value-adding to homegrown pork and beef.
The labelling law could also promote a national identification system for the Americans, said Richard Andersen of the Sparks Company based in Memphis, Tennessee.
SeattlePI.com - 29th January 2004
COOL needs to remain a hot topic
Last week, the National Farmers Union released the results of a national survey by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates that showed consumers want mandatory country-of-origin labeling (82 percent), prefer U.S.-produced food (85 percent) and are willing to pay for it (81 percent).
NPPC - 28th January 2004
COOL Moratorium Passes Senate, Industry Promises Voluntary Program
US - Opponents of mandatory country-of-origin labeling breathed a sigh of relief last week as the Senate finally approved an omnibus appropriations bill containing a two-year COOL moratorium, reported Food Chemical News.
Farmscape - 27th January 2004
CPC Identifies Strong Support for Voluntary US COOL
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1433. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Agriculture.com - 21st January 2004
82% of consumers favor COOL, says NFU
US - Consumers may care more about country of origin labeling (COOL) than you would imagine. A new poll by the National Farmers Union (NFU) shows strong support for such labels among consumers, backed up with a willingness to pay a little more for labeled foods, and an inclination to buy food produced in the US. The poll is the centerpiece of a one-day Washington, DC fly-in by NFU taking place today.
NPPC - 21st January 2004
Pork producers urge passage of omnibus appropriations bill, delaying COOL
US - On the eve of the Senate taking final action on H.R. 2673, the FY 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, America's pork producers urge passage of the bill, which includes a provision delaying mandatory country-of-origin labeling for two-years, said NPPC President Jon Caspers.
NPPC - 19th January 2004
Voluntary COOL Program to Replace One Mandated by Law, Covering Meat, Seafood, Produce
US - Associations for the nation’s leading produce, beef, pork and seafood producers, along with food retailers and wholesalers, have agreed to craft a program to provide consumers country of origin information about these products, according to an announcement today by the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFFVA), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), National Fisheries Institute (NFI), Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and National Grocers Association (N.G.A.).
AMI - 9th January 2004
COOL remains 'costly, cumbersome' and unrelated to BSE, AMI declares
US - Less than 48 hours after DNA testing confirmed that the BSE cow identified in Washington state was in fact born in Canada, Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) renewed his attempts to re-position the Country-of-Origin Labeling law with yet another food-safety spin.
Farmscape - 18th December 2003
Rejection of Two Year Moratorium on COOL Viewed as Unlikely
CANADA - The Canadian Pork Council says a proposed two year moratorium on the implementation of mandatory US Country of Origin Labelling will allow time to address the major concerns the legislation creates.
Agriculture Online - 16th December 2003
Members of the Senate will work to restore COOL
US - Although supporters of Country of Origin Labeling have expressed hope that the Senate will stop a two-year delay in mandatory country of origin labeling when it votes on a spending bill next January, that's not likely to happen, the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee said Tuesday.
FoodProductionDaily.com - 10th December 2003
A COOL idea?
Global Technology Resources (GTR) has launched a new system designed to detect, track and manage food safety threats across the supply chain. Combining patented web-based global positioning system (GPS) technology with radio frequency identification (RFID), the company claims that the system is the first solution of its kind to harness this technology to provide early detection of disease, foodborne pathogens and contamination.
Farmscape - 2nd December 2003
CCA Confident US COOL Will Remain Voluntary
CANADA - The President of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association is confident US will ultimately abandon its efforts to make Country of Origin Labelling legislation mandatory.
Farmscape - 1st December 2003
Proposed Delay in US COOL Allows Opportunity for Improvement
CANADA - The Canadian Pork Council says a proposed two year moratorium on the implementation of US Country of Origin Labelling offers opportunity to make the system more acceptable.
Wausau Daily Herald - 28th November 2003
Public: Food-origin labels a COOL idea
US - Dozens of other countries label their produce and 71 percent of Americans would be willing to pay more for food that is grown locally, according to a 2003 study done at North Carolina State University.
Agweb - 26th November 2003
Congress Can Thank U.S. Farmers by Keeping COOL
US - By Thanksgiving next year, consumers could know the origin of all the foods that grace their holiday tables. They could be able to differentiate and choose between meats and produce from the United States and imported foods from other parts of the world.
NFU - 25th November 2003
NFU To continue fight for COOL
US – National Farmers Union blames meatpackers, large food processors and the Bush administration for the recent actions by the majority leaders of the appropriations conference committee to delay the mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law for two years.
NPPC - 25th November 2003
NPPC: COOL a "big win" for pork producers
WASHINGTON - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Jon Caspers said today's filing of the FY'2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill blocking costly mandatory country-of-origin labeling until September 30, 2006, is a big win for the U.S. pork industry.
NPPC - 18th November 2003:
Major Produce Trade Associations Come Out Against COOL
US - Two major produce trade associations last week abandoned their neutral stance and registered opposition to mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL), reported Food Chemical News.
Farm-Scape - 14th November 2003:
US Cool Expected to Deharmonize Canada US Meat Trade
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1384. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
High Plains Journal - 13th November 2003:
Pork Council Favors COOL
WASHINGTON - The North Carolina Pork Producers Council Inc., which represents the second largest pork producing state in the nation, has voted to reverse its position and join the Iowa Pork Producers Association in favor of mandatory country of origin lab
Agriculture.com - 12th November 2003:
Smithfield isn't working to kill country of origin labeling
US - Most food retailers and processors have been working to kill mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) in Congress, but the world's largest pork processor and hog producer, Smithfield Foods, isn't among them.
National Hog Farmer - 6th November 2003:
COOL Could ‘Cripple’ Pork Economy
US - The cost-benefit analysis for mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirms pork industry projections that there is no benefit to producers, packers, retailers or consumers, says Jon Caspers, NPPC
NPPC - 6th November 2003:
COOL Opponents Hope Proposed Rule Will Trigger Changes In The Law
US - Industry opponents of MCOOL expressed hope last week that a proposed rule and accompanying cost/benefit analysis released by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service will persuade Congress to repeal or make significant changes in the controversial p
Farm-Scape - 6th November 2003:
Tactics to Delay US COOL Draw Attention to Concerns
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1379. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
American Meat Institute - 6th November 2003:
MCOOL Represents Intellectual Dishonesty, American Meat Institute Says
US - Mandatory country-of-origin labeling is outrageously expensive, lacking in benefits and intellectually dishonest, according to AMI Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel Mark Dopp.
Agriculture.com - 5th November 2003:
R-CALF offers list of COOL benefits they say USDA omitted
US - A week after USDA went public with its proposed rules for mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL), a producer group is pointing out they didn't include an analysis of the benefits - only the costs.
Farm-Scape - 5th November 2003:
CPC Plans Response to Final USDA COOL Regulation
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1378. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Meatingplace.com - 3rd November 2003:
COOL benefits undefined, impact monumental
US - In an effort to rally opposition to an issue that seemed dead-on-arrival only a few months ago, Mark Dopp American Meat Institute senior vice president and general counsel, regulatory affairs, and Steve Kay, editor of Cattle Buyer's Weekly, prese
American Meat Institute - 2nd November 2003:
USDA Cost Estimates Show That MCOOL for Meat Will Cost Billions
US - Law Will Burden Meat Sector, Harm U.S. Economy Long-Term. The following is a statement by American Meat Institute President J. Patrick Boyle. The USDA noted the competitive advantage that this law will give to poultry processors.
Mandatory COOL Expected to Increase Hog Production and Lower Prices
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1368. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, October 17, 2003:
COOL Labeling May Cost $4 Billion For U.S. Food Industry
US - The mandatory country-of-origin labeling law may end up costing the U.S. food industry, including producers, processors and retailers, up to $3.9 billion for the first year of compliance after the USDA implements the legislation in September 2004, a
Friday, October 03, 2003:
NFPA Calls USDA's COOL Requirements “Operationally Impractical“ for Food Processors and Retailers
US - In testimony delivered to a U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee hearing today, the National Food Processors Association urged that substantial changes be made to new country of origin labeling requirements by the USDA.
Thursday, October 02, 2003:
House Ag Committee Holds COOL Hearing
WASHINGTON - Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-8), Chairman of the U.S. House Livestock and Horticulture Agriculture Subcommittee, Wednesday, held a hearing to review the impact of mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL).
Wednesday, September 24, 2003:
Growing US Opposition to COOL Comes as No Surprise
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1349. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003:
COOL Lite Bill Gets Mixed Reviews
US - Legislation aimed at streamlining the current COOL law introduced by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) has drawn praise from consumer advocates and some cattle producers, but little enthusiasm from the rest of the food industry, reports Food Chemical Ne
Tuesday, September 23, 2003:
Opposition to Mandatory COOL Builds as Costs Become Clearer
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1348. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Monday, September 22, 2003:
National Meat Association Calls for Voluntary COOL as a Marketing Program
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1347. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Thursday, September 18, 2003:
New Peterson bill does little to 'fix' COOL law, says NPPC
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new bill introduced in the House by Rep. Collin Peterson that is currently being touted as a “solution“ to the many problems associated with the MCOOL law, does little to remedy the situation...
Tuesday, September 16, 2003:
Following GAO report Daschle, Johnson to seek amendment to fund COOL
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) provided a report last week that concluded cost estimates for implementing country-of-origin labeling (COOL) are inconclusive.
Thursday, September 11, 2003:
AMI comment on Sens. Daschle, Johnson and Enzi Regarding COOL
US - The press conference by Sens. Daschle, Johnson and Enzi speaks volumes about the COOL law: the law remains one of the most controversial initiatives ever required of the U.S. food and agriculture industry.
Thursday, September 11, 2003:
GAO report disputes USDA MCOOL cost estimates
WASHINGTON, D.C.- A new report issued today by the U.S. General Accounting Office on the MCOOL legislation, disputes initial cost estimates for implementing the law from the USDA, without providing any new information, stated the NPPC today.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003:
USDA Continues Preparing Rules For COOL
US - The USDA continues to work on drafting rules to operate a country-of-origin labeling system for U.S. beef and pork despite proposed legislation that may withdraw funding for the program, USDA Secretary Ann Veneman said.
Friday, August 15, 2003:
COOL Expected to Spark Showdown Between US Congress and US Senate
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1321. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003:
Countering COOL’s Collapse
US - Several lawmakers vow to preserve the embattled country of origin labeling law. Recent moves by fellow lawmakers denied funding for COOL.
Tuesday, July 22, 2003:
Senators say they will restore funding for COOL
US - A group of farm-state senators are vowing to keep country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef and pork in place despite last week’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to scrap funding for the program.
Tuesday, July 22, 2003:
Support for Turnaround on COOL
US - The turn around in fortunes over the US country of origin labelling proposals has been welcomed by the American Meat Institute.
Thursday, July 17, 2003:
Farm Bureau: COOL May Not Be Too Costly
US - An American Farm Bureau Federation study has concluded that implementing MCOOL of meat products probably will not be as costly as several other studies have indicated and that there is one particular way of implementing it economically.
Wednesday, July 16, 2003:
Pork Producers Commend House On Passage Of Amendment To Block Implementation Of MCOOL
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The NPPC President today commended the House of Representatives for its passage of the fiscal year 2004 Agriculture Appropriations bill that contained a measure to block implementation of MCOOL for retail meat products.
Wednesday, July 16, 2003:
Farmers Union president decries block of COOL
NEBRASKA - "I supported the restoration of necessary funding for country-of-origin labeling" Congressman Osborne said. "It is a good marketing tool for producers.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003:
Farm organizations testify about COOL at hearing
WASHINGTON — The debate over the mandatory Country of Origin Labeling law continues as members of several farm organizations traveled to Washington last week to testify to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture.
Tuesday, July 08, 2003:
U.S. Pork Producers: Facts on COOL
US - New issue brief looks at economic factors of mandatory country-of-origin meat labeling and the reasons why American pork producers believe it will be detrimental to their livelihoods.
Tuesday, July 01, 2003:
COOL takes heat at national hearings
ST PAUL, MN - Congressional hearings continue on country of origin labeling as the Agricultural Marketing Service moves to implement labelling requirements by Sept. 30, 2004.
Monday, June 30, 2003:
COOL and the US Swine Industry
US - Glen Grimes and Ron Plain, Professor and Professor Emeritus, respectively, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri-Columbia, review the affects MCOOL could have on the North American swine industry.
Friday, June 27, 2003:
NPPC To Testify At Congressional Hearing On MCOOL
US — The National Pork Producers Council today will urge members of the House Agriculture Committee to repeal mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) and replace it with a workable voluntary program for hogs and pork.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003:
AMI Says Costly, Cumbersome COOL Law Has No Clear Benefits
Washington, DC - Institute Official Urges Repeal of Law at USDA Listening Session
Wednesday, June 18, 2003:
Issue Paper - National Pork Producers Council Discuss MCOOL
US - MCOOL and Consumers: Where's the Connection? Proponents of the MCOOL provision of the 2002 Farm Bill claim that it was designed to meet consumer demand for information about the country-of-origin of the foods they eat.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003:
Pork Producers Support Congressional Action To Further Examine COOL
WASHINGTON,D.C - The NPPC supports today's announcement of a full Congressional committee hearing to focus further attention on the issue of MCOOL and the negative impacts that the law will have on pork producers.
Monday, June 09, 2003:
Impacts of COOL Already Impacting the North American Pork Industry
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1273. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Wednesday, May 28, 2003:
Premium Standard will meet COOL rule early
US - Premium Standard Farms will label its retail pork to comply with the USDA's country-of-origin labeling requirements starting July 1, the company announced Tuesday.
Friday, May 23, 2003:
Finally, a COOL study on labeling benefits
US - According to the University of Florida's research, USDAs COOL cost estimate of $2 billion for its first year massively overshoots the mark
Thursday, May 22, 2003:
COOL Advocates Misinterpret, Say Study Authors
US - A study touted by advocates of country-of-origin labeling as evidence of consumer willingness to pay more is being widely misinterpreted, authors of the study said in a fact sheet released late last week.
Thursday, May 22, 2003:
COOL supporter cites Canadian BSE to bolster mandatory labeling
USA - United Stockgrowers of America, a long time supporter of mandatory country of origin labeling, said that the first Canadian case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease in a decade supports the group's argument for mandatory coun
Wednesday, May 21, 2003:
Meat labeling push a concern for livestock producers
NEBRASKA - Producers turned out in droves to voice their opinions on a law calling for mandatory COOL by September 2004. A little more than 50 percent supported the law. A little less than 50 percent spoke against it.
Friday, May 16, 2003:
COOL meeting attracts standing room only crowd in Kansas City
MISSOIRI - A standing-room-only crowd gathered in Kansas City, MO on May 6 for the fourth in a series of informational and listening sessions about Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).
Friday, May 16, 2003:
COOL's pros, cons cited at Texas listening session
AUSTIN - After hearing the May 1 presentation by the USDA, attendees at the "listening session" concerning COOL left without any, real solutions as to what will work best for U.S. producers.
Thursday, May 15, 2003:
COOL Predicted to Devastate North American Hog Prices
CANADA - The Canadian Pork Council says 'country of origin labelling' has the potential to devastate North American live hog prices.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003:
Study Shows COOL's Potential to Disrupt Canada-US Pork Production Patterns
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1241. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Tuesday, May 13, 2003:
NPPC to launch series of issue papers on negative impacts of mandatory COOL
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The NPPC today will launch an eight-week series of special issue papers designed to educate members of Congress, news media and the general public on the short and long-term negative impacts that mandatory COOL will have on the industry
Tuesday, May 13, 2003:
Meat labeling law worries farmers
IOWA - John Hall worries about the fate of independent cattle producers if the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) insists on third-party verification of where livestock are born and raised under mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL).
Tuesday, May 13, 2003:
CPC Committee Maintains Adherence to NAFTA Would Address Concerns Over COOL
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1240. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, May 09, 2003:
Producers testify on effects of COOL on their operations
KEARNEY - For Wayne Frost, Wolbach cattle producer, the burden of proof of an animal's country of origin should be on importers of livestock into this country, and not Nebraska livestock producers.
Thursday, May 08, 2003:
COOL starts to heat up
OHIO - Debate about COOL heated up as USDA officials headed to different parts of the country to address concerns about the controversial country-of-origin labeling.
Tuesday, May 06, 2003:
Sen. Harkin Calls on Bush Administration To Revamp COOL Plan
US - Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has called on the Bush administration to reconsider COOL plans he claims would place an unnecessary burden on U.S. agriculture producers, reports Bureau of National Affairs (BNA).
Monday, May 05, 2003:
CPC Draws Attention to COOL's Impact on Independent Producers
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1234. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, May 02, 2003:
Tyson Blasts COOL
US - At a USDA field hearing yesterday, an official with IBP/Tyson Foods gave the government four reasons why the mandatory country-of-origin food labeling law should be repealed:
Wednesday, April 30, 2003:
Tyson vice president testifies against COOL
US - The following is testimony given on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, by Gary Machan, Tyson's vice president of hog procurement, in regards to mandatory country of origin meat labeling.
Tuesday, April 29, 2003:
COOL Opponents Urged to Speak to USDA Listening Sessions
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1230. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Tuesday, April 29, 2003:
Iowa livestock producers invited to COOL meeting
IOWA - By now you probably already know that the voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) program will become mandatory on September 30, 2004. To verify that products are properly labeled at the retail level, records must be maintained from birth to re
Monday, April 28, 2003:
COOL's Potential Impact on US Livestock Production Becoming Apparent
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1229. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Wednesday, April 23, 2003:
AMI calls for voluntary COOL program
Washington, DC - AMI Details Many Costs and Challenges Associated With Mandatory Program
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
USDA should minimize costs, confusion related to COOL, NPPC says
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) needs to minimize the costs to both America’s pork producers and consumers and provide clearer direction..
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
Canada has tools to fight COOL law
CANADA - Some of the Canadian calves that hit the ground this spring are destined for uncertain export futures.
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
Producers Favor Voluntary, not Mandatory COOL
NEBRASKA - The Nebraska Pork Producers Association's board of directors supports a voluntary system that addresses the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) provision written into the 2002 farm bill.
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
Livestock Producers Invited to Learn about COOL
IOWA - The COOL program currently is a voluntary USDA program for use by retailers who wish to notify their customers of the country of origin of beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts.
Tuesday, April 15, 2003:
Iowa COOL plan would aid compliance
IOWA - An Iowa livestock industry task force is developing a plan to help producers comply with the new country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law, which becomes mandatory in September 2004.
Friday, April 11, 2003:
AMI wants products with ingredient statements exempted from COOL
WASHINGTON, DC - USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) should modify draft country-of-origin labeling guidelines so that meat products that must bear ingredient statements do not also need...
Friday, April 11, 2003:
Country of Origin Labeling
US - Examples of records that may be useful for COOL verification purposes
Monday, April 07, 2003:
Manitoba's Agriculture Minister Notes Movement on US COOL
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1215. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, March 21, 2003:
Pork industry divided over COOL
WASHINGTON - Pork producers are divided on the issue of federal mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Earlier in February, the NPPC released an economic analysis of mandatory COOL that concluded it could cost pork producers $10 per hog and also har
Monday, March 10, 2003:
COOL gets iced by NPPC, pig reports rapped
US - Country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for meat can take a flying leap into the nearest hog lagoon, according to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
Thursday, March 06, 2003:
Listening sessions set on COOL implementation
WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced a series of listening and education sessions in various parts of the country to gain more public input and provide interested parties more information about the new Country of Origin Labeli
Wednesday, March 05, 2003:
COOL dominates debate; is it a done deal?
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Country of origin labeling and food-safety issues have been the meat of the early action at the National Meat Association's MeatXPO 2003 Suppliers Exposition and 57th Annual Convention being held here at the Rio Hotel & Casino throug
Wednesday, March 05, 2003:
COOL Expected to Hit Small Independent American Farmers Hardest
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1192. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Monday, March 03, 2003:
Senators Question USDA's COOL Actions
US - Twelve senators say they are seriously concerned that the USDA is not acting fairly in implementing mandatory country-of-origin food labeling and have requested that the department justify its actions.
Friday, February 21, 2003:
COOL Worries Emerge Among Meat Industry Players
US - Angst is growing among U.S. meat producers, processors and retailers over "country of origin" labels on supermarket shelves, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Tuesday, February 18, 2003:
COOL divides pork producers
WASHINGTON -- Pork producers are divided on the issue of federal mandatory country of origin labeling.
Thursday, February 13, 2003:
NPPC Report says COOL could have Significat Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - An economic analysis of the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program, performed by economists for the U.S. pork industry and Iowa State University, concludes...
Tuesday, February 11, 2003:
COOL Cost Estimates Questioned
US - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) initial estimate of implementing a national country-of-origin labeling system for red meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and peanuts is "grossly over-inflated"...
Thursday, February 06, 2003:
Attendees discuss COOL at IA pork expo
DES MOINES - Country-of-origin labeling of livestock is a hot topic at this year's Iowa Pork Congress, in Des Moines.
Wednesday, January 22, 2003:
COOL talk sparks hot debate at Iowa pork convention
IOWA - Iowa pork producers differ on how they'd like to be labeled, or at least how they'd like their product to be labeled.
Thursday, October 17, 2002:
COOL: A classic case of be careful what you wish for!
US - On Tuesday, October 8, USDA issued guidelines to implement the country-of-origin labeling provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill, which require the Secretary to promulgate a regulation for mandatory country-of-origin labeling by September 30, 2004.
Saturday, October 12, 2002:
New U.S. Food Labelling Guidelines Could Hurt Trade
ONTARIO - Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief says voluntary U.S. guidelines that would see food sold in the U.S. labelled with information on its country-of-origin (COOL) are flawed and unworkable...
Wednesday, October 09, 2002:
COOL guidelines released by USDA
WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued Interim Voluntary Country of Origin Labeling guidelines for certain commodities as required in the 2002 Farm Bill.
Wednesday, October 09, 2002:
COOL programme costly, cumbersome and complex
US - Statement of the American Meat Institute on Country-of-Origin Labeling Guidance (Attribute Statement to AMI President J. Patrick Boyle)
Saturday, September 14, 2002:
US Swine Economics Report
13th September 2002. - Regular report by Ron Plain on the US Swine industry, this week looking at the country of origin labeling (COOL).
NOTE: A number of the older external links may have expired. For further information on such articles please contact the host web site.
Latest News Updates:
Star Tribune - 1st July 2005
Johnson sponsors bill aimed at COOL implementation
SIOUX FALLS - Sen. Tim Johnson said Wednesday he is sponsoring a bill that sets January 30 as the date to start requiring grocery store labels that identify where meat comes from.
Other sponsors of the bill are Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Republican Sens. Conrad Burns of Montana, and Craig Thomas and Mike Enzi of Wyoming.
NPPC - 29th June 2005
Pork Producers Urge Support for Meat Promotion Act, Implementing Voluntary Labelling Program
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. pork producers are applauding efforts by the U.S. Senate to implement a workable, voluntary, market-driven country-of-origin labeling program. The bipartisan Meat Promotion Act of 2005, S. ----, was introduced today on the Senate floor by Senate Deputy Whip Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), along with 14 additional co-sponsors.
helenair.com - 20th June 2005
Montana's meat label law illegal, group says
MONTANA - As the fight continues in Congress over mandatory meat labels, one also may be brewing in Montana over the state's labeling law. The American Meat Institute, a meatpackers' trade group, contends federal law — namely, the federal Meat Inspection Act — prohibits the state from requiring country of origin meat labels.‘‘No state may impose a labeling requirement that is different than or in addition to what's allowed under federal law,'' Mark Dopp, AMI senior vice president for regulatory affairs and general counsel, said in a recent interview.
NPPC - 9th June 2005
Pork Producers Applaud House Delay of Country-of-Origin Labeling Program
WASHINGTON, DC - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Don Buhl today commended the House of Representatives for approving a provision of the fiscal year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill that delays the date to implement the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program for meat.
Rapid City - 18th May 2005
Subcommittee votes to delay meat labeling again
WASHINGTON - Rep. Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D., blasted a House subcommittee's approval late Monday night of a spending bill that includes another delay for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat and meat products.
MeatingPlace.com - 5th May 2005
Voluntary COOL bill introduced in House
WASHINGTON, DC - The Meat Promotion Act of 2005, H.R. 2068, was introduced by a bipartisan group of congressmen, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Rep. Marion Berry (D-Ark.). The bill calls for a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program to supplant a mandatory program set to go into effect in September 2006.
AMI - 5th May 2005
New bill puts consumers in the driver’s seat regarding COOL
WASHINGTON, DC – The Meat Promotion Act, a bill that will allow U.S. consumers to determine the availability of country-of-origin labeling for meat products, was introduced in Congress today with Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Majority Whip Roy Blunt, and Marion Berry among the bill’s 34 co-sponsors.
The Independent.com - 6th December 2004
Mandatory COOL opposition still mounting
US - With agricultural officials in the United States still dealing with worries over mad cow disease and the prospect of the Canadian border opening up again for live cattle to enter the United States, opponents of mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) are still plotting to kill it, said the president of the National Farmers Union.
NPPC - 24th November 2004
Pork Producers Disappointed with Failure to Establish Voluntary COOL
WASHINGTON, DC - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Immediate Past President Jon Caspers today expressed his disappointment that Congress failed to adopt legislation in this session that would have established a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program and applauded Congressional leaders who supported the proposed legislation.
NPPC - 20th November 2004
Pork Producers Applaud Extension of Mandatory Price Reporting Provision
WASHINGTON, D.C - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Keith Berry today commended Congress for passing legislation to extend the Mandatory Price Reporting provision contained in the 1999 Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act, for one-year. The one-year extension expires September 30, 2005.
“While pork producers are pleased by today’s action, we call on members of Congress to take the lead in the reauthorization of this important tool which helps producers make knowledge-based decisions and to have a better understanding of the marketplace,“ said Berry, a pork producer from Greencastle, Ind.
AgriNews - 17th November 2004
Thune says he'd lobby for mandatory meat labeling
SOUTH DAKOTA - Sen.-elect John Thune, R-S.D., says he would go straight to the top if need be to help keep mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat and other foods. Asked Saturday whether he would lobby President Bush directly, Thune said, "I will. I'll be happy to convey that to the administration, to the president, to his people. I have in the past."
MeatNews - 17th November 2004
Make it mandatory
US - Nearly 100 organizations ask the U.S. Congress to keep mandatory country-of-origin labeling moving forward. Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America, Billings, Montana, said it was one of 95 agriculture-related organizations that signed on to a joint letter to several U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee leaders urging them to oppose any amendments to weaken or repeal the mandatory country-of-origin labeling law put in place by the 2002 Farm Bill.
The coalition sending the letter calls itself "Americans for Country of Origin Labeling" and collectively represents more than 50 million U.S. voters, R-CALF said.
MeatingPlace.com - 12th November 2004
Could Daschle defeat lead to voluntary COOL?
US - The defeat of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) gives the food industry hope that a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program may be instituted to replace the mandatory program currently slated for implementation, according to Tim Hammonds, president and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute. Daschle strongly opposed voluntary COOL.
theIndependent.com - 1st October 2004
Osborne: Labeling delay a broken promise
US - Only seafood still in line for country-of-origin labeling, and that's not required until April. Now that consumers will eventually have the right to know the country of origin of their fish and seafood products, Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., is more than a little dismayed that consumers don't have the same right to know where their beef comes from.
Meat News - 19th September 2004
COOL TIE
Last week, the U.S. Senate’s Appropriations Committee reached a tie vote of 14-14 on a proposed amendment to move the mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling date to Jan. 1, 2005, instead of Sept. 30, 2006.
American Meat Institute - 4th August 2004
Make COOL Labeling Voluntary
US - Mandatory country of origin labeling is "nothing more than a massive unfunded federal dictate that will not only fail to give the public pertinent information about products they wish to consume, but will hit American consumers in the pocketbook every time they try to put a meal on the table," says AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle in the Billings Gazette.
Agriculture Online - 26th July 2004
Groups differ in response to voluntary COOL bill
US - The House Agriculture Committee yesterday passed voluntary country of origin labeling legislation introduced earlier this summer by Ranking Member Charles Stenholm (D-TX) and Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). The Food Promotion Act of 2004 would amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the voluntary labeling of produce, meat, and seafood with country of origin information.
American Meat Institute - 22nd July 2004
AMI praises ag committee approval of bill to make COOL voluntary
WASHINGTON, DC - The American Meat Institute (AMI) today gave high praise to the House Agriculture Committee for its overwhelming approval of a bill to make country-of-origin labeling for meat, seafood and produce voluntary.
Agrinews - 5th July 2004
Legislation introduced to keep country-of-origin labeling voluntary
US - Ranking members of the U.S. House introduced legislation that would effectively kill the mandatory country-of-origin labeling of food, originally introduced in the 2002 farm bill. U.S. Rep. and House Agriculture Committee Chair Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-Texas, unveiled the Food Promotion Act this month. The bill would amend the Agricultural Market Act of 1946 and direct the secretary of agriculture to establish the voluntary labeling of meat and seafood with country-of-origin information.
Southwest Nebraska News - 23rd June 2004
Voluntary COOL Legislation is a Smokescreen to Eliminate all COOL
US - National Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) President Ina Selfridge today called the Goodlatte-Stenholm legislation to replace mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) with a voluntary program a “smokescreen to eliminate all COOL“. WIFE supports mandatory labeling of all imported products before the point of importation with meat labeled as a product of the US only if it is born, raised, and processed in the United States.
Cattlenetwork.com - 16th June 2004
House Members Introduce Bill to Replace Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling with Voluntary Program
US - House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Ranking Member Charlie Stenholm (D-TX), announced introduction of voluntary country-of-origin labeling legislation. At introduction the bill had 13 additional cosponsors and more than 325 organizations offering support.
American Meat Institute - 16th June 2004
AMI applauds Voluntary COOL Bill
US - The American Meat Institute (AMI) today applauded the introduction of a bill to make country-of-origin labeling - slated to go into effect in September 2006 - voluntary instead of mandatory, calling the approach "sensible and cost effective."
theIndependent.com - 28th May 2004
Nelson questions whether there's enough time to implement COOL
US - A number of Nebraska farm and rural organizations are supporting legislation introduced last week in the Senate to restore the Sept. 30 implementation deadline for country of origin labeling. But U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., questions whether there's enough time to implement the mandatory labeling program.
Reuters - 19th March 2004
Start US meat-origin labels now, not 2006-Lawmakers
WASHINGTON - Foodmakers and grocers would begin applying country-of-origin labels on red meat, seafood, produce and peanuts on Sept. 30 -- a return to the original starting date -- under a U.S. House bill unveiled on Thursday.
The bill would overturn a two-year delay approved by Congress in January. Fish were the only foods not affected by the delay. Farm and consumer groups support the labels as a way to distinguish U.S.-grown goods from foreign competitors on the grocery shelf.
Western Producer - 30th January 2004
U.S. labelling delay good news for Canada
BANFF - The United States Congress has delayed country-of-origin labelling until 2006, giving Canada time to encourage greater value-adding to homegrown pork and beef.
The labelling law could also promote a national identification system for the Americans, said Richard Andersen of the Sparks Company based in Memphis, Tennessee.
SeattlePI.com - 29th January 2004
COOL needs to remain a hot topic
Last week, the National Farmers Union released the results of a national survey by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates that showed consumers want mandatory country-of-origin labeling (82 percent), prefer U.S.-produced food (85 percent) and are willing to pay for it (81 percent).
NPPC - 28th January 2004
COOL Moratorium Passes Senate, Industry Promises Voluntary Program
US - Opponents of mandatory country-of-origin labeling breathed a sigh of relief last week as the Senate finally approved an omnibus appropriations bill containing a two-year COOL moratorium, reported Food Chemical News.
Farmscape - 27th January 2004
CPC Identifies Strong Support for Voluntary US COOL
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1433. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Agriculture.com - 21st January 2004
82% of consumers favor COOL, says NFU
US - Consumers may care more about country of origin labeling (COOL) than you would imagine. A new poll by the National Farmers Union (NFU) shows strong support for such labels among consumers, backed up with a willingness to pay a little more for labeled foods, and an inclination to buy food produced in the US. The poll is the centerpiece of a one-day Washington, DC fly-in by NFU taking place today.
NPPC - 21st January 2004
Pork producers urge passage of omnibus appropriations bill, delaying COOL
US - On the eve of the Senate taking final action on H.R. 2673, the FY 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, America's pork producers urge passage of the bill, which includes a provision delaying mandatory country-of-origin labeling for two-years, said NPPC President Jon Caspers.
NPPC - 19th January 2004
Voluntary COOL Program to Replace One Mandated by Law, Covering Meat, Seafood, Produce
US - Associations for the nation’s leading produce, beef, pork and seafood producers, along with food retailers and wholesalers, have agreed to craft a program to provide consumers country of origin information about these products, according to an announcement today by the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFFVA), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), National Fisheries Institute (NFI), Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and National Grocers Association (N.G.A.).
AMI - 9th January 2004
COOL remains 'costly, cumbersome' and unrelated to BSE, AMI declares
US - Less than 48 hours after DNA testing confirmed that the BSE cow identified in Washington state was in fact born in Canada, Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) renewed his attempts to re-position the Country-of-Origin Labeling law with yet another food-safety spin.
Farmscape - 18th December 2003
Rejection of Two Year Moratorium on COOL Viewed as Unlikely
CANADA - The Canadian Pork Council says a proposed two year moratorium on the implementation of mandatory US Country of Origin Labelling will allow time to address the major concerns the legislation creates.
Agriculture Online - 16th December 2003
Members of the Senate will work to restore COOL
US - Although supporters of Country of Origin Labeling have expressed hope that the Senate will stop a two-year delay in mandatory country of origin labeling when it votes on a spending bill next January, that's not likely to happen, the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee said Tuesday.
FoodProductionDaily.com - 10th December 2003
A COOL idea?
Global Technology Resources (GTR) has launched a new system designed to detect, track and manage food safety threats across the supply chain. Combining patented web-based global positioning system (GPS) technology with radio frequency identification (RFID), the company claims that the system is the first solution of its kind to harness this technology to provide early detection of disease, foodborne pathogens and contamination.
Farmscape - 2nd December 2003
CCA Confident US COOL Will Remain Voluntary
CANADA - The President of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association is confident US will ultimately abandon its efforts to make Country of Origin Labelling legislation mandatory.
Farmscape - 1st December 2003
Proposed Delay in US COOL Allows Opportunity for Improvement
CANADA - The Canadian Pork Council says a proposed two year moratorium on the implementation of US Country of Origin Labelling offers opportunity to make the system more acceptable.
Wausau Daily Herald - 28th November 2003
Public: Food-origin labels a COOL idea
US - Dozens of other countries label their produce and 71 percent of Americans would be willing to pay more for food that is grown locally, according to a 2003 study done at North Carolina State University.
Agweb - 26th November 2003
Congress Can Thank U.S. Farmers by Keeping COOL
US - By Thanksgiving next year, consumers could know the origin of all the foods that grace their holiday tables. They could be able to differentiate and choose between meats and produce from the United States and imported foods from other parts of the world.
NFU - 25th November 2003
NFU To continue fight for COOL
US – National Farmers Union blames meatpackers, large food processors and the Bush administration for the recent actions by the majority leaders of the appropriations conference committee to delay the mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law for two years.
NPPC - 25th November 2003
NPPC: COOL a "big win" for pork producers
WASHINGTON - National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Jon Caspers said today's filing of the FY'2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill blocking costly mandatory country-of-origin labeling until September 30, 2006, is a big win for the U.S. pork industry.
NPPC - 18th November 2003:
Major Produce Trade Associations Come Out Against COOL
US - Two major produce trade associations last week abandoned their neutral stance and registered opposition to mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL), reported Food Chemical News.
Farm-Scape - 14th November 2003:
US Cool Expected to Deharmonize Canada US Meat Trade
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1384. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
High Plains Journal - 13th November 2003:
Pork Council Favors COOL
WASHINGTON - The North Carolina Pork Producers Council Inc., which represents the second largest pork producing state in the nation, has voted to reverse its position and join the Iowa Pork Producers Association in favor of mandatory country of origin lab
Agriculture.com - 12th November 2003:
Smithfield isn't working to kill country of origin labeling
US - Most food retailers and processors have been working to kill mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) in Congress, but the world's largest pork processor and hog producer, Smithfield Foods, isn't among them.
National Hog Farmer - 6th November 2003:
COOL Could ‘Cripple’ Pork Economy
US - The cost-benefit analysis for mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirms pork industry projections that there is no benefit to producers, packers, retailers or consumers, says Jon Caspers, NPPC
NPPC - 6th November 2003:
COOL Opponents Hope Proposed Rule Will Trigger Changes In The Law
US - Industry opponents of MCOOL expressed hope last week that a proposed rule and accompanying cost/benefit analysis released by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service will persuade Congress to repeal or make significant changes in the controversial p
Farm-Scape - 6th November 2003:
Tactics to Delay US COOL Draw Attention to Concerns
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1379. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
American Meat Institute - 6th November 2003:
MCOOL Represents Intellectual Dishonesty, American Meat Institute Says
US - Mandatory country-of-origin labeling is outrageously expensive, lacking in benefits and intellectually dishonest, according to AMI Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel Mark Dopp.
Agriculture.com - 5th November 2003:
R-CALF offers list of COOL benefits they say USDA omitted
US - A week after USDA went public with its proposed rules for mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL), a producer group is pointing out they didn't include an analysis of the benefits - only the costs.
Farm-Scape - 5th November 2003:
CPC Plans Response to Final USDA COOL Regulation
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1378. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Meatingplace.com - 3rd November 2003:
COOL benefits undefined, impact monumental
US - In an effort to rally opposition to an issue that seemed dead-on-arrival only a few months ago, Mark Dopp American Meat Institute senior vice president and general counsel, regulatory affairs, and Steve Kay, editor of Cattle Buyer's Weekly, prese
American Meat Institute - 2nd November 2003:
USDA Cost Estimates Show That MCOOL for Meat Will Cost Billions
US - Law Will Burden Meat Sector, Harm U.S. Economy Long-Term. The following is a statement by American Meat Institute President J. Patrick Boyle. The USDA noted the competitive advantage that this law will give to poultry processors.
Previous News Items (by date only)
Thursday, October 23, 2003:Mandatory COOL Expected to Increase Hog Production and Lower Prices
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1368. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, October 17, 2003:
COOL Labeling May Cost $4 Billion For U.S. Food Industry
US - The mandatory country-of-origin labeling law may end up costing the U.S. food industry, including producers, processors and retailers, up to $3.9 billion for the first year of compliance after the USDA implements the legislation in September 2004, a
Friday, October 03, 2003:
NFPA Calls USDA's COOL Requirements “Operationally Impractical“ for Food Processors and Retailers
US - In testimony delivered to a U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee hearing today, the National Food Processors Association urged that substantial changes be made to new country of origin labeling requirements by the USDA.
Thursday, October 02, 2003:
House Ag Committee Holds COOL Hearing
WASHINGTON - Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-8), Chairman of the U.S. House Livestock and Horticulture Agriculture Subcommittee, Wednesday, held a hearing to review the impact of mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL).
Wednesday, September 24, 2003:
Growing US Opposition to COOL Comes as No Surprise
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1349. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003:
COOL Lite Bill Gets Mixed Reviews
US - Legislation aimed at streamlining the current COOL law introduced by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) has drawn praise from consumer advocates and some cattle producers, but little enthusiasm from the rest of the food industry, reports Food Chemical Ne
Tuesday, September 23, 2003:
Opposition to Mandatory COOL Builds as Costs Become Clearer
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1348. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Monday, September 22, 2003:
National Meat Association Calls for Voluntary COOL as a Marketing Program
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1347. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Thursday, September 18, 2003:
New Peterson bill does little to 'fix' COOL law, says NPPC
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new bill introduced in the House by Rep. Collin Peterson that is currently being touted as a “solution“ to the many problems associated with the MCOOL law, does little to remedy the situation...
Tuesday, September 16, 2003:
Following GAO report Daschle, Johnson to seek amendment to fund COOL
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) provided a report last week that concluded cost estimates for implementing country-of-origin labeling (COOL) are inconclusive.
Thursday, September 11, 2003:
AMI comment on Sens. Daschle, Johnson and Enzi Regarding COOL
US - The press conference by Sens. Daschle, Johnson and Enzi speaks volumes about the COOL law: the law remains one of the most controversial initiatives ever required of the U.S. food and agriculture industry.
Thursday, September 11, 2003:
GAO report disputes USDA MCOOL cost estimates
WASHINGTON, D.C.- A new report issued today by the U.S. General Accounting Office on the MCOOL legislation, disputes initial cost estimates for implementing the law from the USDA, without providing any new information, stated the NPPC today.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003:
USDA Continues Preparing Rules For COOL
US - The USDA continues to work on drafting rules to operate a country-of-origin labeling system for U.S. beef and pork despite proposed legislation that may withdraw funding for the program, USDA Secretary Ann Veneman said.
Friday, August 15, 2003:
COOL Expected to Spark Showdown Between US Congress and US Senate
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1321. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003:
Countering COOL’s Collapse
US - Several lawmakers vow to preserve the embattled country of origin labeling law. Recent moves by fellow lawmakers denied funding for COOL.
Tuesday, July 22, 2003:
Senators say they will restore funding for COOL
US - A group of farm-state senators are vowing to keep country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef and pork in place despite last week’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to scrap funding for the program.
Tuesday, July 22, 2003:
Support for Turnaround on COOL
US - The turn around in fortunes over the US country of origin labelling proposals has been welcomed by the American Meat Institute.
Thursday, July 17, 2003:
Farm Bureau: COOL May Not Be Too Costly
US - An American Farm Bureau Federation study has concluded that implementing MCOOL of meat products probably will not be as costly as several other studies have indicated and that there is one particular way of implementing it economically.
Wednesday, July 16, 2003:
Pork Producers Commend House On Passage Of Amendment To Block Implementation Of MCOOL
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The NPPC President today commended the House of Representatives for its passage of the fiscal year 2004 Agriculture Appropriations bill that contained a measure to block implementation of MCOOL for retail meat products.
Wednesday, July 16, 2003:
Farmers Union president decries block of COOL
NEBRASKA - "I supported the restoration of necessary funding for country-of-origin labeling" Congressman Osborne said. "It is a good marketing tool for producers.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003:
Farm organizations testify about COOL at hearing
WASHINGTON — The debate over the mandatory Country of Origin Labeling law continues as members of several farm organizations traveled to Washington last week to testify to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture.
Tuesday, July 08, 2003:
U.S. Pork Producers: Facts on COOL
US - New issue brief looks at economic factors of mandatory country-of-origin meat labeling and the reasons why American pork producers believe it will be detrimental to their livelihoods.
Tuesday, July 01, 2003:
COOL takes heat at national hearings
ST PAUL, MN - Congressional hearings continue on country of origin labeling as the Agricultural Marketing Service moves to implement labelling requirements by Sept. 30, 2004.
Monday, June 30, 2003:
COOL and the US Swine Industry
US - Glen Grimes and Ron Plain, Professor and Professor Emeritus, respectively, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri-Columbia, review the affects MCOOL could have on the North American swine industry.
Friday, June 27, 2003:
NPPC To Testify At Congressional Hearing On MCOOL
US — The National Pork Producers Council today will urge members of the House Agriculture Committee to repeal mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) and replace it with a workable voluntary program for hogs and pork.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003:
AMI Says Costly, Cumbersome COOL Law Has No Clear Benefits
Washington, DC - Institute Official Urges Repeal of Law at USDA Listening Session
Wednesday, June 18, 2003:
Issue Paper - National Pork Producers Council Discuss MCOOL
US - MCOOL and Consumers: Where's the Connection? Proponents of the MCOOL provision of the 2002 Farm Bill claim that it was designed to meet consumer demand for information about the country-of-origin of the foods they eat.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003:
Pork Producers Support Congressional Action To Further Examine COOL
WASHINGTON,D.C - The NPPC supports today's announcement of a full Congressional committee hearing to focus further attention on the issue of MCOOL and the negative impacts that the law will have on pork producers.
Monday, June 09, 2003:
Impacts of COOL Already Impacting the North American Pork Industry
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1273. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Wednesday, May 28, 2003:
Premium Standard will meet COOL rule early
US - Premium Standard Farms will label its retail pork to comply with the USDA's country-of-origin labeling requirements starting July 1, the company announced Tuesday.
Friday, May 23, 2003:
Finally, a COOL study on labeling benefits
US - According to the University of Florida's research, USDAs COOL cost estimate of $2 billion for its first year massively overshoots the mark
Thursday, May 22, 2003:
COOL Advocates Misinterpret, Say Study Authors
US - A study touted by advocates of country-of-origin labeling as evidence of consumer willingness to pay more is being widely misinterpreted, authors of the study said in a fact sheet released late last week.
Thursday, May 22, 2003:
COOL supporter cites Canadian BSE to bolster mandatory labeling
USA - United Stockgrowers of America, a long time supporter of mandatory country of origin labeling, said that the first Canadian case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease in a decade supports the group's argument for mandatory coun
Wednesday, May 21, 2003:
Meat labeling push a concern for livestock producers
NEBRASKA - Producers turned out in droves to voice their opinions on a law calling for mandatory COOL by September 2004. A little more than 50 percent supported the law. A little less than 50 percent spoke against it.
Friday, May 16, 2003:
COOL meeting attracts standing room only crowd in Kansas City
MISSOIRI - A standing-room-only crowd gathered in Kansas City, MO on May 6 for the fourth in a series of informational and listening sessions about Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).
Friday, May 16, 2003:
COOL's pros, cons cited at Texas listening session
AUSTIN - After hearing the May 1 presentation by the USDA, attendees at the "listening session" concerning COOL left without any, real solutions as to what will work best for U.S. producers.
Thursday, May 15, 2003:
COOL Predicted to Devastate North American Hog Prices
CANADA - The Canadian Pork Council says 'country of origin labelling' has the potential to devastate North American live hog prices.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003:
Study Shows COOL's Potential to Disrupt Canada-US Pork Production Patterns
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1241. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Tuesday, May 13, 2003:
NPPC to launch series of issue papers on negative impacts of mandatory COOL
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The NPPC today will launch an eight-week series of special issue papers designed to educate members of Congress, news media and the general public on the short and long-term negative impacts that mandatory COOL will have on the industry
Tuesday, May 13, 2003:
Meat labeling law worries farmers
IOWA - John Hall worries about the fate of independent cattle producers if the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) insists on third-party verification of where livestock are born and raised under mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL).
Tuesday, May 13, 2003:
CPC Committee Maintains Adherence to NAFTA Would Address Concerns Over COOL
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1240. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, May 09, 2003:
Producers testify on effects of COOL on their operations
KEARNEY - For Wayne Frost, Wolbach cattle producer, the burden of proof of an animal's country of origin should be on importers of livestock into this country, and not Nebraska livestock producers.
Thursday, May 08, 2003:
COOL starts to heat up
OHIO - Debate about COOL heated up as USDA officials headed to different parts of the country to address concerns about the controversial country-of-origin labeling.
Tuesday, May 06, 2003:
Sen. Harkin Calls on Bush Administration To Revamp COOL Plan
US - Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has called on the Bush administration to reconsider COOL plans he claims would place an unnecessary burden on U.S. agriculture producers, reports Bureau of National Affairs (BNA).
Monday, May 05, 2003:
CPC Draws Attention to COOL's Impact on Independent Producers
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1234. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, May 02, 2003:
Tyson Blasts COOL
US - At a USDA field hearing yesterday, an official with IBP/Tyson Foods gave the government four reasons why the mandatory country-of-origin food labeling law should be repealed:
Wednesday, April 30, 2003:
Tyson vice president testifies against COOL
US - The following is testimony given on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, by Gary Machan, Tyson's vice president of hog procurement, in regards to mandatory country of origin meat labeling.
Tuesday, April 29, 2003:
COOL Opponents Urged to Speak to USDA Listening Sessions
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1230. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Tuesday, April 29, 2003:
Iowa livestock producers invited to COOL meeting
IOWA - By now you probably already know that the voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) program will become mandatory on September 30, 2004. To verify that products are properly labeled at the retail level, records must be maintained from birth to re
Monday, April 28, 2003:
COOL's Potential Impact on US Livestock Production Becoming Apparent
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1229. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Wednesday, April 23, 2003:
AMI calls for voluntary COOL program
Washington, DC - AMI Details Many Costs and Challenges Associated With Mandatory Program
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
USDA should minimize costs, confusion related to COOL, NPPC says
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) needs to minimize the costs to both America’s pork producers and consumers and provide clearer direction..
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
Canada has tools to fight COOL law
CANADA - Some of the Canadian calves that hit the ground this spring are destined for uncertain export futures.
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
Producers Favor Voluntary, not Mandatory COOL
NEBRASKA - The Nebraska Pork Producers Association's board of directors supports a voluntary system that addresses the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) provision written into the 2002 farm bill.
Thursday, April 17, 2003:
Livestock Producers Invited to Learn about COOL
IOWA - The COOL program currently is a voluntary USDA program for use by retailers who wish to notify their customers of the country of origin of beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts.
Tuesday, April 15, 2003:
Iowa COOL plan would aid compliance
IOWA - An Iowa livestock industry task force is developing a plan to help producers comply with the new country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law, which becomes mandatory in September 2004.
Friday, April 11, 2003:
AMI wants products with ingredient statements exempted from COOL
WASHINGTON, DC - USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) should modify draft country-of-origin labeling guidelines so that meat products that must bear ingredient statements do not also need...
Friday, April 11, 2003:
Country of Origin Labeling
US - Examples of records that may be useful for COOL verification purposes
Monday, April 07, 2003:
Manitoba's Agriculture Minister Notes Movement on US COOL
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1215. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Friday, March 21, 2003:
Pork industry divided over COOL
WASHINGTON - Pork producers are divided on the issue of federal mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Earlier in February, the NPPC released an economic analysis of mandatory COOL that concluded it could cost pork producers $10 per hog and also har
Monday, March 10, 2003:
COOL gets iced by NPPC, pig reports rapped
US - Country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for meat can take a flying leap into the nearest hog lagoon, according to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
Thursday, March 06, 2003:
Listening sessions set on COOL implementation
WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced a series of listening and education sessions in various parts of the country to gain more public input and provide interested parties more information about the new Country of Origin Labeli
Wednesday, March 05, 2003:
COOL dominates debate; is it a done deal?
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Country of origin labeling and food-safety issues have been the meat of the early action at the National Meat Association's MeatXPO 2003 Suppliers Exposition and 57th Annual Convention being held here at the Rio Hotel & Casino throug
Wednesday, March 05, 2003:
COOL Expected to Hit Small Independent American Farmers Hardest
CANADA - Farm-Scape: Episode 1192. Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork.
Monday, March 03, 2003:
Senators Question USDA's COOL Actions
US - Twelve senators say they are seriously concerned that the USDA is not acting fairly in implementing mandatory country-of-origin food labeling and have requested that the department justify its actions.
Friday, February 21, 2003:
COOL Worries Emerge Among Meat Industry Players
US - Angst is growing among U.S. meat producers, processors and retailers over "country of origin" labels on supermarket shelves, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Tuesday, February 18, 2003:
COOL divides pork producers
WASHINGTON -- Pork producers are divided on the issue of federal mandatory country of origin labeling.
Thursday, February 13, 2003:
NPPC Report says COOL could have Significat Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - An economic analysis of the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program, performed by economists for the U.S. pork industry and Iowa State University, concludes...
Tuesday, February 11, 2003:
COOL Cost Estimates Questioned
US - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) initial estimate of implementing a national country-of-origin labeling system for red meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and peanuts is "grossly over-inflated"...
Thursday, February 06, 2003:
Attendees discuss COOL at IA pork expo
DES MOINES - Country-of-origin labeling of livestock is a hot topic at this year's Iowa Pork Congress, in Des Moines.
Wednesday, January 22, 2003:
COOL talk sparks hot debate at Iowa pork convention
IOWA - Iowa pork producers differ on how they'd like to be labeled, or at least how they'd like their product to be labeled.
Thursday, October 17, 2002:
COOL: A classic case of be careful what you wish for!
US - On Tuesday, October 8, USDA issued guidelines to implement the country-of-origin labeling provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill, which require the Secretary to promulgate a regulation for mandatory country-of-origin labeling by September 30, 2004.
Saturday, October 12, 2002:
New U.S. Food Labelling Guidelines Could Hurt Trade
ONTARIO - Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief says voluntary U.S. guidelines that would see food sold in the U.S. labelled with information on its country-of-origin (COOL) are flawed and unworkable...
Wednesday, October 09, 2002:
COOL guidelines released by USDA
WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued Interim Voluntary Country of Origin Labeling guidelines for certain commodities as required in the 2002 Farm Bill.
Wednesday, October 09, 2002:
COOL programme costly, cumbersome and complex
US - Statement of the American Meat Institute on Country-of-Origin Labeling Guidance (Attribute Statement to AMI President J. Patrick Boyle)
Saturday, September 14, 2002:
US Swine Economics Report
13th September 2002. - Regular report by Ron Plain on the US Swine industry, this week looking at the country of origin labeling (COOL).
