The National Farmers Union (NFU) has expressed its support for the American Beef Labeling Act (ABLA), a legislative proposal introduced by Senators John Thune and Cory Booker. The act aims to establish mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef products sold in the United States, allowing consumers to identify American-produced goods in stores.
NFU President Rob Larew emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "America’s family farmers and ranchers produce the best agricultural products in the world, and consumers have the right to know where their products come from." He also acknowledged Senators Thune and Booker for their efforts in addressing a long-standing demand from Farmers Union members for such labeling requirements.
The ABLA seeks to empower American cattle farmers and ranchers by ensuring that packaging labels indicate when beef is entirely produced within the U.S., from birth through packaging. This initiative is expected to benefit small and mid-size producers by increasing their market presence and enabling them to secure a larger portion of consumer spending on food.
For years, NFU has been advocating for mandatory country-of-origin labeling as a means to provide fair competition opportunities for family farmers and ranchers against dominant corporate practices.
