In advance of tomorrow’s hearing, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow – ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry – released a draft proposal that offers a pathway forward on country-of-origin labeling (COOL) in the wake of the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling. “This approach is a pathway to finding a solution on country of origin … Read More
Senate Ag Committee to Hold Hearing on COOL
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will hold a hearing on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and trade retaliations on Thursday, June 25 at 10am to discuss what is at stake for America’s farmers, ranchers, businesses and consumers. The hearing will take place in G50 Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. and webcast live on ag.senate.gov. U.S. … Read More
Federal Disaster Requested for Bird Flu in Iowa
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is requesting a federal disaster declaration in the wake of the devastating bird flu outbreak in the state. The deadly disease has affected more than 33 million birds in Iowa. The request is for Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties, but additional counties may be added to the request as additional losses are identified. Branstad … Read More
Milk Producers Call for National GMO Labeling Standard
The National Milk Producers Federation says the country needs a national standard when it comes to labeling foods with genetically modified ingredients, as the group also points out that GMOs are perfectly safe. The remarks come as Congress reviews the idea versus the patchwork of state requirements that would confuse consumers and frustrate food marketers. “State-by-state GMO labeling is simply … Read More
Livestock Groups Pleased with TPA Passage
The U.S. House passed Trade Promotion Authority Thursday by a vote of 218-208 getting fast track back on track, making the U.S. meat and dairy industry happy. “Trade Promotion Authority gives Congress the ability to set definitive goals for the President in negotiations, and then requires any deal be brought back for final approval,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president … Read More
Federal Spending Bill & Provisions for Producers
The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association strongly support the House Interior appropriations bill that passed through the committee 30 to 21. The bill allocates how federal dollars are spent for the Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies during fiscal year 2016. From language that blocks the listing of the Sage Grouse, to requiring … Read More
Global Business Panel on COOL
With the World Trade Organization Wednesday to hear formal requests from Mexico and Canada to retaliate against the United States over Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for meat products, a Global Business Dialogue panel at the National Press Club Tuesday was very timely. The panel, which was sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council, featured representatives from both countries discussing … Read More
House Votes to Repeal COOL for Meat
By a vote of 300 to 131, the House of Representatives passed legislation late Wednesday to repeal Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for beef, pork and chicken. “I am thankful for the support of my colleagues today in passing this common-sense, bipartisan bill that is a necessary targeted response to avoid retaliation from Canada and Mexico,” said House Agriculture Committee … Read More
Groundbreaking for New Food Bio Security Facility
This week Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack helped to break ground on the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. “The NBAF laboratory will provide the nation with cutting edge, state-of-the-art, lab capabilities and help protect our food supply and the nation’s public health,” said Secretary Johnson. “The economic impact … Read More
Officials Say Final WOTUS Rule Respects Agriculture
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wednesday released the final version of the Clean Water Rule that has become known as the Waters of the United States or WOTUS which they say protects clean water “while respecting agriculture.” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy released … Read More