Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has joined a legislative effort to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. The American Beef Labeling Act, introduced by Senators John Thune and Cory Booker, aims to require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to develop a World Trade Organization (WTO)-compliant method for reinstating MCOOL within one year of the legislation's enactment.

The proposal sets a timeline where the USTR would have six months to devise a plan and another six months to implement it. Should the USTR fail to meet this deadline, MCOOL would automatically be reinstated.

"U.S. ranchers produce the highest-quality beef in the world, and consumers deserve to know the source of the product they are purchasing," stated Hoeven. "By requiring the U.S. Trade Representative to reinstate mandatory country of origin labels for beef, with timelines to ensure compliance, our legislation will benefit both U.S. producers and consumers."

Senator Thune expressed his support for South Dakota ranchers: "South Dakota ranchers – who work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world – deserve a fair labeling system that provides consumers with basic information on the origin of their beef." He added that he is proud to reintroduce this legislation, which he believes will promote cattle ranching viability and transparency for American consumers.

Booker emphasized consumer awareness: "This bipartisan legislation will help Americans know exactly where their beef is coming from," he said. He criticized big meatpackers for misleading labeling practices and stressed that more transparency would allow consumers to support local family farmers and ranchers.

The bill also has cosponsorship from Senators Mike Rounds, Martin Heinrich, Cynthia Lummis, and John Fetterman.