Cool Update

One of the main initiatives in the 2002 Farm Bill to livestock producers is the implementation of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for beef, pork, lamb, fish, perishable agricultural commodities, and peanuts. The law states that mandatory compliance becomes effective on September 30, 2004. Which means the above mentioned products, when offered for sale in certain retail outlets, must be labeled as to country of origin (animals born, raised and processed in U.S. are United States Country of Origin).

Currently, the enforcement of the law is not funded for the next fiscal year. But, to be in compliance with the regulations, retailers will be required to maintain an auditable record system and a verifiable trail back to the producer. Records must be kept for two years. The debate over this issue is very confusing with many solutions being offered. There is still time to contact your U.S. government Senators and Representatives to voice your opinion on this issue.

The original intent of the law was to increase consumptions of U.S. beef and allow the consumer to choose the origin of their food. The problem is, almost 90 percent of the beef available in retail stores is already of U.S. origin. Under the current law, beef for export or use in hotel/restaurant/or institution use are exempt from the regulation. The law was designed as a marketing advantage issue and not a food safety issue.

Self-certification by producers of time and place of animal origin is not allowed by the present language of the COOL law. Who can be a verifier and what costs will follow has not been established.

There is a movement to implement a national identification system to aid in tracking animals in case of a disease outbreak or terrorist attack. Cost of these programs has not been determined.

As producers, we need to start now to develop an individual identification system in our beef herds. Ear tags, tattoos or brands are a start. When the time arrives to verify information, with some records in hand, the jump may not be as great.

Contact your sale endpoint and find out what information they will need when you sell your animals. Keep your eyes and ears open as to changes and updates as they become available.


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	Matt Herring - Agronomy/Natural Resources Ken Bolte - Farm Management/Livestock Franklin County University Extension Center Last revised: 11/28/05	Go to Franklin County University Extension Center page