This morning U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, held a hearing on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and trade retaliation. He believes “retaliation is coming, and now is the time to act.”

“If you take anything away from my remarks today, I hope it is this: facts are stubborn things, and whether you support COOL or oppose COOL, the fact is retaliation is coming. And this committee has to fix it,” Chairman Roberts said.

“I want to emphasize that I understand completely the concerns of some members of this committee. I have encouraged alternatives to be brought forth. But as Chairman of this Committee I must emphasize to my colleagues and all of agriculture that retaliation is fast approaching and the responsibility sits squarely on our shoulders to avoid it.”

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Committee released a draft proposal that would remove beef and pork mandatory labeling provisions under COOL and put in its place a completely voluntary Product of the U.S. label.

“It is my hope that this simple, WTO-consistent approach to addressing this dispute will help us find a solution that benefits American consumers and agriculture – while also finding a pathway forward between the United States and our neighbors to the north and south.”

Her complete comments from today’s hearing can be found here.

For witness info, testimonies, and to watch the hearing, click here.