Because of the fierce backlash, President Trump needs to offset agriculture's defiant criticism by taking action that would be widely recognized as helpful to U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Reinstating country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef is precisely the kind of action President Trump should take because it will be well received by farmers and ranchers participating in the largest segment of American agriculture - the U.S. cattle industry, and it would be widely supported by U.S. consumers.
In addition, COOL is needed so consumers can comply with President Trump's "Buy American Hire American" Executive Order of April 2017. How can citizens possibly choose to Buy American beef when packers are putting a "Product of USA" label on foreign beef?
R-CALF USA will be meeting with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) very soon to urge them to reinstate COOL for beef during the final stages of the NAFTA renegotiations, which are scheduled to end relatively soon.
Action:
Because of the fierce opposition to COOL by the meatpacking lobby, we need your help to demonstrate to the USTR that while the top-heavy trade associations that represent packers and producers may not want COOL, real-life cattlemen know the importance of distinguishing their superior product in the marketplace.
Here's how to help:
As quickly as possible, please e-mail or fax the following letter, or a similar letter in your own words, to U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer:
Robert E. Lighthizer
United States Trade Representative
600 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20508
Dear Ambassador Lighthizer,
I am a cattle rancher from [Your State] and a member of R-CALF USA. Please reinstate country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef as quickly as possible and and impose tariffs on cattle and beef from overproducing countries. I support the President's tariffs on steel and other products and I support fixing or ending NAFTA
Sincerely,
[Your Name, Address, e-mail and if you'd like, phone number]
Send your letter via:
Fax: 202-395-4656
You can also call the Office of the Ambassador at 202-395-6890
Because the USTR is nearing an end to its NAFTA renegotiations, this may be our last best opportunity to quickly reinstate COOL.
Your help is greatly appreciated!