R-CALF USA Action Alert
To: R-CALF USA Members & Affiliates
From: Bill Bullard, CEO
Date: April 2, 2021
Subject: Update on COOL and Help America’s Ranchers
Background: We’re still working to introduce legislation in Congress to require labels on beef, pork, and dairy products so everyone can choose from what country they want their food produced.
It’s an uphill battle because the World Trade Organization, which doesn’t support such labels, continues to influence many of our U.S. Senators and Representatives.
We believe we’re nearing the top of the hill and hope to soon contact you about legislation to require country-of-origin labeling (COOL) you can support.
Meanwhile, new legislation was introduced to help America’s ranchers. You see, not only do we need COOL to help build demand for USA beef and other products; we also need legislation to help build demand for USA cattle.
That new legislation was introduced by Senators Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.). It is Senate Bill 949 (S.949) that restores the most important market to America’s cattle ranchers – the competitive spot (cash) market. It does this by requiring the largest beef packers to purchase at least 50% of their cattle from this important market.
Action: Please contact your two U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative at 202-224-3121 to urge them to fully support S.949, the Grassley/Tester Spot Market Protection Bill.
We’ll contact you soon when new COOL legislation is introduced. Thank you for your help!
# # #
R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is the largest producer-only lobbying and trade association representing U.S. cattle producers. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. Visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516 for more information.
