051139 Senators: Take USDA Logo Off Imported Beef

Washington - Several senators are proposing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture take its logo off certain cuts of imported meat, a move that could make the market more favorable for some U.S. ranchers.

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., introduced legislation Wednesday that would prohibit labels such as "USDA prime" or "USDA choice" on packages of imported beef and lamb. The bill, which is co-sponsored by North Dakota Democrats Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan, would prevent the Agricultural Marketing Service from grading those meats.

Johnson's bill is in response to several delays for a mandatory meat labeling law authorized in the 2002 farm bill. Originally scheduled to begin in 2004, the law was delayed until 2006 two years ago and then, just last month, to 2008.

On Thursday, Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., and other senators from the region will introduce separate legislation that would repeal the most recent delay, moving the law's start date back to 2006.

The law, popular with ranchers in the Midwest and Northern Rockies, would require retailers to stamp meat and meat products with labels that indicate the meat's country of origin. It was written by Johnson and other members from Midwestern ranching states who fear competition from Canadian beef producers and contend that labeling the food would help consumers make educated choices about the meat they buy.

Large meatpacking companies and retailers, along with ranchers in the Southwest where Mexican and U.S. meat is often mixed in packing houses, say the massive paperwork associated with the labels will drive up costs and consumer prices. Rep. Henry Bonilla, a Texas Republican who is chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, has led the fight to kill the law.

"If some insist on delaying the labeling of the origin of meat, we should allow only U.S. cuts of meat to benefit from marketing tools," Johnson said, acknowledging that his bill is a "fallback position" in the wake of the labeling delay.

Conrad said the legislation attempts to eliminate consumer confusion.

"When they see 'USDA prime' or 'USDA choice' a lot of consumers believe it's U.S. lamb or beef when in fact it may not be," Conrad said.

Despite a strong coalition of Western and Midwestern members, efforts still face tough opposition in Congress.

"The thing we know for sure is that if we don't make those efforts there's no chance," said Conrad. "We've had those who oppose these legislative proposals find ways to get around them, and we've just got to keep knocking on the door."

Republican Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming said senators from the region will keep looking for ways to let consumers know where their meat comes from.

"Whether we're spearheading efforts for COOL or grading, the end result should be implementation of this important tool for consumers," Thomas said.

Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., has also been a strong supporter of the labeling law.

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