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R-CALF calls for M-COOL amid beef import plan

The CEO of R-CALF USA says the decision to import more foreign beef underscores the need for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling.

Bill Bullard says President Trump’s recent proclamation to attempt to lower beef prices creates more competition for U.S. cattle producers and muddies the water for consumers. “If we had country of origin labeling today, then these cheaper imports would be priced accordingly for consumers. They’re not.  Instead, the meat packers can continue to hide the origins of the foreign beef and then sell the beef as if it were produced here in America.”

On Wednesday, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings to be imported into the U.S. within the next 90 days free from out-of-quota tariffs. The TRQ system provides a limit on the volume of beef a country can import.

He tells Brownfield only some countries would be eligible to fill the quota based on the tariff rate quota schedule and current trade agreements. “Those countries would include Brazil, Paraguay, Japan, Ireland and some other EU countries like the Netherlands. Most of the beef is expected to come from South America.”

Bullard says there is concern it could impact consumer trust and purchasing habits. “We believe that’s a long-term problem with not distinguishing imports from domestic product. If there is a recall of beef like there has been with Argentina, for example. Consumers with a country-of-origin labeling could choose to avoid beef from that country.”

He says his organization has spoken with U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and members of the Trump administration about the impacts the plan could have on producers and consumers.

Bill Bullard: