Opinion Editorial
Illinois Farmers Union: Illinois consumers want to know the origin of their food
By Rob Davies, Illinois Farmer's Union

[July 16, 2015]  Consumer concern over knowing the origin of the food we eat led to the passage of a popular labeling law known as Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) in 2008, a law that is now in danger of being struck down, warns Illinois Farmers Union President Norbert Brauer in a recent State Journal-Record op-ed.

“Your winter coat, your favorite t-shirt, your kitchen appliances and the replacement parts for your car. What do all of these items have in common? Look carefully and you’ll find that each and every one of these items sports a label identifying the country that it came from,” notes Brauer.

Brauer notes that despite its strong consumer support, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), the popular food labeling law that mandates muscle cuts of meat, nuts, and fruits and vegetables sold at retail must be labeled with the country’s name where it was produced.

“Why? COOL had many adversaries, including our chief trade competitors, Canada and Mexico, as well as the deep-pocketed multinational meat industry,” he explains.

“According to a May 2013 public opinion poll, the COOL labeling law enjoys over 90 percent support among consumers. And I can tell you firsthand as an Illinois farmer that
COOL enjoys very strong support in farm country,” he points out.

Brauer points out that consumers increasingly want to know that the meat they put on their tables – and feed their children - was raised in a humane environment, and that the meat enjoyed the strict inspection process of the U.S. Also, many consumers like the idea of buying American, which not only supports our own farmers and rural America, but also keeps the money in the U.S.

“Producers in Illinois happily embraced COOL because we are among the most productive farmers and ranchers in the world, raising the most affordable and safest products on the market,” he said.

“Quite honestly, we’re extremely proud to walk into a supermarket and see a meat case full of ‘Product of the U.S.’ labels.”

“Thankfully, a bill has been introduced in the Senate that, if enacted, should resolve the dispute at the WTO,” said Brauer.

“The bill would make COOL voluntary for beef and pork and should appease the WTO. And while Illinois Farmers Union has fought for mandatory labeling for years, this bill would advance the current stalemate and ensure that food labeling remains on the books.”

“Let’s stand strong behind the Senate compromise and preserve food labeling for America’s consumers.”

[By Rob Davies]