WASHINGTON, D.C. -In advance of this week’s hearing, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow - ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry - today 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 labeling," Stabenow said. “COOL serves an important role for consumers and industry. However, the WTO has been clear that we must find a solution that is consistent with our international trade obligations. This proposal offers a viable alternative and I look forward to discussing it at our hearing and with my colleagues in the Senate as we work to come to agreement on a bipartisan solution."
In May 2015, the WTO ruled in favor of Canada and Mexico in their case against the United States. As a result, Stabenow’s draft proposal would remove beef and pork mandatory labeling provisions under COOL and put in its place a completely voluntary Product of the U.S. label.
Stabenow released today’s draft proposal in advance of Thursday’s hearing entitled Country of Origin Labeling and Trade Retaliation: What’s at Stake for America’s Farmers, Ranchers, Businesses and Consumers. More information, including the witness list, on the hearing can be found here.
A link to the proposal can be found: HERE.
Source: U.S. Senate Committee On Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry
