| | May 30, 2003
The Honorable Jo Ann Emerson
U.S. House of Representatives
2440 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2508
Dear Congresswoman Emerson:
The Missouri Pork Association policy strongly opposes the mandatory country of
origin meat labeling (COOL) provisions of the last Farm Bill.
Without question it is becoming more and more evident that this is an
ill-founded law of unintended consequence. Huge costs and little or no return to
the producer means that action must be taken. Producers who are already
struggling simply do not need this new and unnecessary burden.
Emotion and politics are the key drivers of this legislation. In the same vain,
the proponents are now making a futile grasp at the recent, isolated BSE issue
in Canada to bolster their cause. But it's time to put the emotion and politics
aside and do what is right.
The economics of the marketplace will determine if such labeling is warranted.
Even one of the proponents at the recent USDA hearing in Kansas City remarked
that "voluntary labeling has been pursued for 30 years and it hasn't worked."
That in itself is more than enough reason not to have mandatory labeling.
Government is a poor substitute for this process and we need to let the
marketplace work.
Under COOL, with poultry, processed meats and foodservice exempt, considerably
less than half of the total meat will be labeled. And with total US pork imports
of only 11 percent, it simply doesn't make any sense to put this unrealistic
program in place.
We urge you to take the necessary steps to repeal the mandatory provisions of
COOL. At the same time, USDA should provide the necessary format for a voluntary
program.
The MPA Executive Board unanimously passed the enclosed resolution that outlines
the various problems and implications of COOL. I urge you to review it closely
and use this information to help livestock producers by repealing the mandatory
provisions of COOL.
Thanks for your time and consideration. We seek your leadership and commitment
to help bring forth a rapid and positive resolve to this extremely important
issue.
Sincerely,
Don Nikodim
Executive Vice President
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