Senator Tim Johnson is introducing the Consumer Right to Know Act of 2001 (SB280)

It would: Amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require country-of-origin labeling for beef, lamb, pork, fruits, vegetables and other perishable commodities: Require that in order for meat (beef, pork, or lamb) to be designated at the retail level as originating from the U.S., the meat must come from an animal born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S.; Require retailers, at the final point of sale, to inform consumers as to the country-of origin of covered commodities—including beef, lamb, pork, and perishable agricultural commodities; Require that in order for fruits and vegetables to be designated at the retail level as originating from the U.S., the product must be exclusively produced in the U.S.; Require the Secretary of Agriculture to partner with States in enforcing the labeling requirements.

R-CALF USA Submits Cattle Section for 2001 Farm Bill

Dennis McDonald, Trade Action Committee Chair, Melville, Mt, for R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America presented R-CALF’s proposal for a Cattle Chapter in the 2001 Farm Bill before the Senate Agricultural Committee hearings April 25 in D.C. Due to the growing complexity and fluctuating nature of today’s cattle industry, R-CALF USA’s membership voted to introduce a new section in the 2001 Farm Bill to deal specifically with cattle production.

R-CALF’s proposal includes a market-oriented ranch safety net that does not require any federal expenditures. The safety net provision recommends the use of Variable Import Quotas that would be triggered when imports exceed a pre-established, market-depressing level.

The largest section of the Cattle Chapter concerns trade. Requiring country of origin labeling, restricting the use of USDA grade stamping, maintaining tariff schedules on live cattle and beef until trading partners reduce their tariffs to the same levels as the United States are just a few of the 12 specific recommendations R-Calf USA is proposing.

The Cattle Chapter also includes an eight-step plan for the enforcement of anti-trust laws to impart a proper balance in the beef production chain, from Producer to the consumer.

R-CALF also proposes more flexibility for USDA personnel charged with administering federal credit programs in their local offices.

R-CALF proposes that the local officer be given decision making authority to pool the funds available to his or her office and allocate those funds on the basis of the unique needs and priorities of the country.