Do you know where the burger on your plate is from? You may be surprised to learn that beef labeled “product of USA” is not necessarily from the USA. Under federal labeling laws, beef and pork can be labeled a “product of USA” even if it’s only been processed or packaged here. How fair is that?
We are central Montana ranchers and consumers, united by the belief that our community and our country deserve better than this. Ranchers deserve a market that reflects the integrity with which we raise our cattle. Consumers deserve the right to know where our food is from, and choose food that is safe and healthy for our families, our communities, and the land.
That’s why we support restoring mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) for beef and pork, and why we’re grateful for the work of organizations like Northern Plains Resource Council, Montana Farmers Union, and Montana Cattlemen’s Association, who proposed COOL in the 2019 Montana Legislature.
It’s also why we were disappointed to see our central Montana legislators vote against COOL. Senator Ryan Osmundson, Representative Dan Bartel, and Representative Wylie Galt all voted instead to support the powerful, multinational meatpackers over their constituents.
Let’s not forget that the movement for federal mandatory COOL started right here in Montana. Our state legislature passed the first Country-of-Origin Labeling bill back in 2005. So don’t let anyone tell you that it can’t start right here, at the state level. That’s just another excuse for inaction.
We can create a better food system that works for all of us if Montana ranchers and consumers come together behind this common sense solution. Let’s put politics aside, and stand up to the special interest trade groups that profit when we are divided, and when consumers don’t know where their meat comes from.
Montana ranchers are small business owners, rural Americans who care about our families, our futures, and our democracy. Meanwhile, many consumers are hungry to support our farmers and ranchers by buying and eating United States beef. Let’s stand together as a community and fight for COOL.
If you, too, are wondering why our central Montana legislators voted against COOL, call them and ask!
Signed,
Clay Dunlap, Lewistown Steven R. Hughes, Lewistown Rex Reilly, Stanford
Veronica Sweeney, Hilger
Peter D. Mickelsen, Lewistown Jo DeVries, Grass Range
Jean Collins, Lewistown
Greg Franck, Lewistown Duane Ferdinand, Lewistown
Noel and Sandy Birkland, Lewistown Marita Valencia, Lewistown
Josh Wright, Lewistown Rachel Stansberry, Lewistown Jo Shipman, Lewistown
Harvey Nyberg, Lewistown Melody Lark, Lewistown Jess Alger, Stanford
Phillip and Darla Kolar, Lewistown Laurie Lohrer, Lewistown
Reader Comments(0)