Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced endorsements from national and regional farm and ranch advocacy groups for his effort to include mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) in the 2024 Farm Bill.

The letter advocating for MCOOL has been endorsed by organizations including R-CALF USA, the US Cattleman’s Association, the National Farmers Union, North Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, South Dakota Farmers Union, Independent Beef Association of North Dakota, Independent Cattleman of Wyoming, Buckeye Quality Beef Association (OH), Cattle Producers of Washington, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Cattleman’s Association, Nebraska Farmers Union, Kansas Cattlemen’s Association (KCA), Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM), Oklahoma Independent Stockgrowers Association, Texas Farmers Union, Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas, Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE), Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association, Missouri Rural Crisis Center, Southern Colorado Livestock Association, Stevens County Cattleman's Association and Rural Vermont. Senators have until July 12 to add their names to the letter.

“I am pleased that farm and ranch advocacy groups from across the nation are supportive of the effort to put MCOOL in the Farm Bill,” said Rounds. “American producers want their high-quality domestic beef product labeled appropriately when put on the shelf next to foreign beef. Consumers want to know that they’re truly buying American products. Thank you to everyone who has joined this effort so far.”

Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA stated: “Country of origin labels on beef are essential for promoting competition in the grocery store. With them, consumers can choose from which country they want their beef produced. Without them, it is the multinational beef packers that choose from which country the consumers’ beef will be sourced. Consumers deserve the right to choose and we applaud Senator Mike Rounds for taking this important step to ensure that mandatory country of origin labeling for beef is included in the 2024 Farm Bill.”

Justin Tupper, President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association added: "The United States Cattlemen's Association (USCA) strongly supports the effort to reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef in the 2024 Farm Bill. Ensuring transparency in our beef markets not only upholds consumer rights but also significantly supports our domestic producers by highlighting the quality and origins of American beef."

Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union commented: "I commend Senator Mike Rounds for pushing to restore mandatory Country of Origin labeling in the Farm Bill. Americans deserve the right to know where their meat comes from. It's about fairness for our farmers and ranchers and empowering consumers with knowledge."

Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union remarked: “Knowing it’s a heavy lift hasn’t stopped Senator Rounds. Like SDFU he is fighting for truth for family farmers ranchers and consumers in his letter asking Senate Agriculture Committee for MCOOL inclusion in next Farm Bill.”

Doris Lauing Executive Director South Dakota Stockgrowers Association stated: “Our organization represents farmers and ranchers who work hard produce high-quality products deserve have our beef recognized as produced here instead foreign country... We applaud Senator Rounds leading efforts hope successful taking over finish line through 2024 Farm Bill cooperation help.”

As September 30 deadline approaches different policy frameworks unveiled each party House Senate House framework already passed through House Agriculture Committee Producers South Dakota across nation expressed strong support including MCOOL solution Farm Bill.

The full text of Senator Round's letter follows:

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Dear Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman:

American farmers and ranchers produce highest quality beef products world Consumers producers across nation recognize fact search additional market integrity Therefore believe past time reinstate mandatory country origin labeling MCOOL beef As Senate Agriculture Committee develops new Farm Bill believe necessary work towards feasible MCOOL solution

For almost century U.S trade law required majority imported products bear country origin label Americans recognize clear benefits consumer labeling laws regularly use information making important purchasing decisions Yet number agricultural commodities excluded country origin labeling requirements response broad coalition producer consumer groups worked incorporate retail-level MCOOL 2002 Farm Bill

Following successful implementation MCOOL producers consumers enjoyed short-lived period marketplace transparency change applied same country origin labeling standards beef majority other consumer goods sold America Unfortunately coalition large meatpacking companies foreign beef interests worked repeal MCOOL After Canada Mexico filed dispute World Trade Organization WTO Congress officially rescinded law 2015

Since repeal MCOOL American cattle producers experienced significant market fluctuations Concurrently largest meat packers realized immense profits through use forward contracting formula-based sales While cattle prices currently rise evident producers again encounter market disruptions As farmers ranchers deal volatile market imperative federal government work provide level playing field This achieved supporting additional transparency our beef labeling system

Our American farmers ranchers work hard provide safest best tasting beef world Producers foreign beef should not receive unfair advantage engaging domestic markets especially competitors not always meet American animal health consumer safety standards U.S Department Agriculture recent Product USA final rulemaking step right direction more work done

Without reasonable solution MCOOL question hardworking American farmers ranchers continue put disadvantage It hope Congress use Farm Bill address pressing issue This entail using legislation require U.S trade leaders develop WTO compliant means reimplementing MCOOL

Thank you consideration look forward working move closer finalizing upcoming Farm Bill

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