- COOL Law Will Benefit Growers
By Sue Beitlich
Wisconsin Farmers Union
Many consumer products, such as our clothes, have country-of-origin labels. However, most of the fresh foods we eat do not.
After years of advocacy by producer and consumer groups, the 2002 Farm Bill required country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for fresh meats, fish, fruits, vegetables and peanuts.
The COOL law encourages use of certification programs that already exist. The USDA can look to its own voluntary rules, the state of Florida and existing country-of-origin labeling systems from about 60 of our international trading partners as models.
Country-of-origin labeling will benefit family farmers and ranchers. The COOL law provides a mechanism for U.S. producers to stand behind the products they produce, similar to the differentiation processors and retailers seek when they brand products to gain greater market share.
Numerous surveys indicate that consumers overwhelmingly support the COOL law and would even pay a market premium for U.S. products in oder to support American farmers and ranchers. It only makes sense to provide consumers with additional information.
Sue Beitlich can be reached by calling (715) 723-5561.
