If you check the label of your t-shirt, you’ll see that it clearly states where the shirt was made. Now, next time you go to the grocery store, look at the label on a package of hamburger. Do you see a “Made In” label anywhere?
It may seem obvious that if we know where a t-shirt is coming from, we should know where our meat is coming from. Unfortunately, a law first adopted in the 2002 farm bill, called Country of Origin Labeling, is being ruled out of order by the World Trade Organization.
The World Trade Organization has ruled against the U.S. law four times. As a member of this international trading organization, the United States must abide by its decision. Many times, the decisions come down in favor of the United States. but when they don’t, we need to abide by the findings, and we expect the same from our trading partners.
The Senate Agriculture Committee last week held a hearing on the path forward for Country of Origin Labeling. The debate should center around how the current law is going to change, and eliminate the law only as a last resort to abide by our obligations to the World Trade Organization.
I’m not ready to give up on this law for consumers of pork and beef. Congress ought to be able to find a way forward that addresses the concerns that the World Trade Organization has outlined.
As proof that there’s a way to keep Country of Origin Labeling, note that Canada has a voluntary “Product of Canada” label. That label even has its own qualifying statement outlining the fine details that must be met in order for the “product of Canada” label to be used.
It’s hard to see how Canada can have a voluntary program with clear stipulations but the United States cannot.
A voluntary program for beef and pork is something to consider. There are undoubtedly details to be worked through, but a voluntary label can satisfy consumers and our trade obligations.