COOL Opposition Calls for Repeal, Supporters Call Tariffs Overstated

Following the World Trade Organization announcement on retaliatory tariffs over U.S. Country of Origin Labeling, Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts called for repeal of the rule, along with several agriculture groups. In a news release, Roberts said “we must prevent retaliation, and we must do it now before these sanctions take effect.” House Ag Chairman Mike Conaway Agreed. That conclusion was supported by farm groups such as the National Pork Producers Council and the National Cattlemen’s Association, along with the American Farm Bureau. The House passed a measure earlier this year to repeal COOL, but the legislation hit a snag in the Senate where some lawmakers favor a voluntary labeling effort, rather than mandatory. The National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association favor the voluntary measure over full repeal, as do Senators Debbie Stabenow and John Hoeven. Stabenow said a solution must be found before the end of the year. Meanwhile, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association said Canada and Mexico must now request authorization from the Dispute Settlement Body to allow any retaliatory actions to occur. Further, USCA President Danni Beer said “the ability to keep COOL and an accurate “U.S. Beef” label is still a realistic option and producers across the country must now stand strong in support of the Hoeven-Stabenow voluntary COOL approach.”