Dusty Johnson: “as the author of S. 280, the Consumer Right-to-Know Act, and the provision in the new farm bill requiring retail-level…”

“as the author of S. 280, the Consumer Right-to-Know Act, and the provision in the new farm bill requiring retail-level country of origin labeling for beef, pork, lamb, fruits, vegetables, peanuts, and fish, I feel compelled to offer my views on how country-of-origin labeling should be implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA. This farm bill provision is not overly prescriptive because I believe USDA deserves some degree of discretion to develop rules and regulations to ensure this labeling program is effective. That being said, I believe it's equally important for USDA to adhere to the intent of Congress in passing this important labeling legislation, and to comply with my intent as the primary author. Well-funded opponents of country-of-origin labeling who like to import cheap meat and other products into the United States and camouflage those products as 'Made in the USA' will make outrageous claims about how country-of-origin labeling is difficult to administer, how it will cost them and USDA resources, and how it just can't work. It's awfully ironic they say these things, when virtually every single other item consumers buy at the retail level indicate their country-of-origin. The fact is that labeling can be implemented in a low-cost manner, and Congress expects USDA to work with all interested parties to make labeling a reality.”