Political Quotes

“I strongly support the Hooley motion to instruct farm bill conferees to retain language passed in the Senate farm bill that requires country of origin labeling information on meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Country of origin labeling is necessary to give U.S. consumers important information and give U.S. producers credit for the considerable investment they have made in the quality and safety of their products. Consumers support country of origin labeling so that they are able to make informed decisions and choose products based on their origin. Our food system has become more global and consumers are demanding new information on the products they buy. Studies show that over 80 percent consumers support country of origin labeling of their food products. Consumers can pick up any article of clothing, read the label, and know where it was manufactured. However, the head of lettuce or steak they purchase in their grocery store lacks basic information on where it was produced. Producers support country of origin labeling because it allows them to differentiate their product. American producers have placed a high priority on developing high-quality, safe food. They can benefit from this investment only if consumers are able to differentiate between products of U.S. origin and products from overseas.”