The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) attended the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention in mid-January as part of its ongoing lobbying efforts related to U.S. mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). The CCA is making sure that U.S. farmers, ranchers and legislators understand that Canada is serious about imposing tariffs on a wide variety of U.S. agriculture and processed products if the discrimination against our livestock caused by COOL is not eliminated.
At the AFBF convention, the CCA ensured that U.S. farmers and ranchers are aware of what is at stake and actively sought their assistance in bringing the COOL legislation into conformity with the World Trade organization (WTO). AFBF’s policy is to support COOL as long as it is WTO compliant. This policy works for the CCA as long as AFBF staff in Washington have the direction to work actively on making COOL compliant – which it clearly is not.
CCA President Dave Solverson noted that CCA met with leadership from many state Farm Bureau organizations that in the past have supported or been split on COOL but now are re-evaluating their positions. Many agree that COOL has not delivered the once anticipated benefits for U.S. cattle and hog producers. CCA heard many acknowledge that as long as COOL remains intact for fruit, vegetables, nuts and catfish, they would not stand in the way of an amendment or repeal of the red meat portion of the COOL legislation.
In terms of resolving COOL, the CCA feels that the simplest solution (and one that the most people seem to agree on) is to repeal COOL for beef and pork. Ultimately, the provisions of the legislation that necessitate imported livestock to be segregated need to be eliminated. The CCA expects that by this coming summer either the U.S. will have to comply or Canada will implement retaliatory tariff s on U.S. exports to our market. The CCA reiterated that it is our sincere ho
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association president, Dave Solverson, shared their point of view on COOL you can listen to his comments here: CCA President Dave Solverson Comments on COOL at AFBF