FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2007

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

MFU Supports Montana’s Congressional Delegation on COOL Measure

GREAT FALLS, MT (Jan. 30, 2007) – The Montana Farmers Union today offered its congratulations and support to Montana’s congressional delegation for its renewed support for country-of-origin labeling – or COOL as it has become known.

“Just recently Senator Baucus co-sponsored legislation that will move the implementation date forward a year,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.  “We are encouraged by this action, and urge all producers and consumers interested in knowing where their food comes from to let Montana’s Congressional delegation know they appreciate this renewed effort.”

As a point of history, COOL already is a law, and has been since 2002, when Congress passed the labeling law requiring retailers to notify consumers of the country-of-origin of beef, pork, lamb, produce, peanuts and seafood.  Yet through a series of back room deals, riders have been added to “must-pass legislation” that delayed the implementation of the law.  The current deadline has postponed implementation to as late as September 30, 2008.  The only exception has been seafood.

The bipartisan bill (S. 404, the Country of Origin Labeling Act of 2007) is co-sponsored by Senators Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and Kent Conrad (D-N.D.).  Congressman Dennis Rehberg (R-Mont.) has offered a similar measure in the House.

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