FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-554-1600
maugusto@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON (Jan. 9, 2014) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement following the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit hearing arguments in the ongoing Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) lawsuit in which NFU is an intervener:

“Today’s argument presents to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit the question of whether the U.S. District Court’s denial of the preliminary injunction on the implementation of the May 2013 revised regulations on COOL on meat products should be upheld. The May decision was a victory for supporters of COOL. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new COOL rules brought the United States into compliance with the World Trade Organization.

“This case is about the ability of consumers to make informed decisions on their purchases of meat products. At a time when consumers are asking for more information about the origins and content of their food, it is important that the court uphold its original decision. The USDA revised regulations provide consumers more information and should reduce confusion for consumers at retail.

“While the packer-producer groups and foreign competitors have sought to limit the consumer’s ability to know the origins of their food, NFU and our allies strongly supported the government position that a preliminary injunction wasn’t appropriate.

“We are hopeful that the D.C. Circuit’s decision will uphold the district court’s denial of the preliminary injunction.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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