Jeff Bingaman: “I have long supported mandatory labeling of country of origin and was pleased this provision was included in the farm…”

“I have long supported mandatory labeling of country of origin and was pleased this provision was included in the farm bill the President signed into law last year. New Mexico Cattle Growers and the New Mexico Farm Bureau strongly endorsed this legislation. I do believe consumers have a right to know where their food is coming from. I am disappointed that there are some in the meat packing industry and the administration that are trying to block implementation of this important legislation. Grudgingly, the administration last month released a proposed rule for mandatory labeling. I believe the administration's proposed rules are far more complicated than they need to be. However, I hope Congress will allow the comment period and rule making to continue to give both proponents and opponents of labeling a fair opportunity to weigh in on this issue. I am pleased to cosponsor the Daschle amendment and hope that it passes.”