| ||||
|
|
Reps don't add COOL provision
WASHINGTON (DTN)--Congressional leaders appear to have left out of the omnibus an amendment to repeal mandatory country-of-origin labeling for red meat and other products, which would be replaced by a voluntary program, an aide to Sen. Tim Johnson, D-SD., told DTN Nov. 19.
The aide said both Democratic and GOP appropriations staffers said the measure was not put in the bill. The aide also said the U.S. Department of Agricutlure's announcement Nov. 18 that a cow had twice tested inconclusive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy had made members concerned about repealing the mandatory labeling program.
The 2002 farm bill contained a provision requiring country-of-origin labeling on red meat, seafood, peanuts and fresh fruits and vegetables by Sept. 30, 2004, but Congress has delayed implementation of all but the seafood provision until Sept. 30, 2006. The House Agriculture Committee earlier this year passed a measure that to repeal mandatory labeling and replace it with a voluntary program, but the full House never considered it.
The aide said Sens. Tom Harkin, D-IA, and Charles Grassley, R-IA, had worked particularly hard with Johnson to save mandatory country-of-origin labeling.
Agribusiness opponents of mandatory labeling have been trying to get the appropriators to add the House-passed measure to the 2005 omnibus appropriations bill. Advocates of mandatory labeling also mounted a campaign to save the program.
Date: 11/22/04
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com
 
| |||||||||||||||||||||
