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Texas Agriculture Archive

July 5, 2002

Veneman clarifies
labeling remarks

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman cleared up what she called "erroneous and misleading reports" regarding her recent comments about country of origin labeling.

"Let there be no doubt that USDA intends to implement the country of origin measure as directed by the Congress in the new farm bill. We do not support, we have not recommended, nor do we have any intention of proposing a North American label as some have suggested," she said. "While the administration did express concerns about the potential costs and implementation difficulties of country of origin labeling, nonetheless, the provision was included in the final farm bill and it is now USDA's job to administer the law."

Farm Bureau supported the country of origin labeling provision contained in the new farm bill. The new provision applies to pork, beef, lamb and fish products, fruits, vegetables and peanuts. Following a two-year voluntary implementation period, the program will become mandatory for all products.