In 2015, Congress repealed the Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) Rule for meat. The World Trade Organization ruled that the law conflicted with international rules and placed Mexico and Canada at a disadvantage. In the event, the application of COOL resulted in imposition of punitive duties on many U.S. products.
R-Calf is now agitating for a return of Mandatory COOL, despite the fact that the U.S. is an important member of the WTO and participates with the Organization to counter unfair trade practices by China and other nations.
In an attempt to resurrect MCOOL, beef-state Senators are supporting the proposed Labeling Act. The bill is supported by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), an avowed vegetarian and opponent of intensive livestock and poultry production. In all probability he recognizes the ultimate danger of COOL legislation to the beef industry for which he has little sympathy.
The approach by R-Calf is decidedly parochial and reflects self-interest, ignoring the realities of international trade. The militancy demonstrated by R-Calf and their lobbying strength has implications for the USMCA Agreement in addition to international trade.
CHICK-NEWS reports regularly on the value of poultry trade with Mexico and Canada. Any attempt to subvert the USMCA will result in a punitive response that would be to the decided disadvantage of the U.S. broiler, turkey and egg industries.