Zinke Sponsors New Country Of Origin Labeling Bill For Beef

Representative Ryan Zinke Co-Sponsors Mandatory Country Of Origin Labeling On Beef

Teaming up with Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman, Montana Representative Ryan Zinke is sponsoring a bill that could restore COOL labeling for beef in America. They also want beef that is labeled as a product of the United States to have been raised and processed in the USA.

Didn't We Already Try COOL Labeling In America?

I know what you're thinking, "I thought we already did that." That's what I thought, too. Then, I did some digging and found out this:

• In December 2015, The World Trade Organization ruled that Canada and Mexico could impose over a billion dollars in retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from America. This ruling is due to the WTO saying COOL labeling discriminates against producers from Canada and Mexico
• The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 repealed the COOL requirements for beef and Pork in America

READ MORE: Argentina Beef Import Plan Not Popular In Montana 

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Is COOL Labeling Going To Add To The Skyrocketing Prices In America?

It's hard to say. In Montana right now, I'm seeing beef at as much as $17-$19 a pound.

If we have COOL and Montana beef is tariffed to the hilt in other countries, the prices go down for consumers in Montana and our ranchers continue to struggle.

If we DON'T have COOL, prices remain high and we could accidentally buy beef from Argentina because their beef is cheaper than American beef, and our ranchers continue to struggle.

Do Montanans Support COOL?

We already know Zinke supports the labeling.

Former Montana Senator, Jon Tester put out this video supporting Mandatory COOL

Montana Stockgrowers Association says it supports WTO-Compliant labeling.

Senator Sheehy's office said he believes “American beef should be labeled as American beef.” But they stopped short of saying if they supported Zinke's bill or not.

Both Daines and Downing's offices said they were reviewing the legislation and were reserving their opinion at this time.

Sources: Flathead Beacon, Congress.gov, National Agriculture Law Center, Iowa State University, Northern Plains Resource Council Facebook Page, Albertson's