WASHINGTON (Nov. 26, 2013) – Following the recent implementation of new country-of-origin labels (COOL) for meat and poultry products, 15 farmer, rancher and consumer groups issued the following statement:

“As families settle in to celebrate Thanksgiving, it will have a renewed all-American emphasis as a result of the new country-of-origin labels for meat and poultry products that went into effect this week. The commonsense labels provide clearer, more transparent and more accurate information to let consumers know where their food comes from for Thanksgiving.

“The new labels distinguish where livestock were born, raised and processed. Although the overwhelming majority of Americans support these new labels, the meat industry is secretly attacking the sensible COOL labels in the 2013 Farm Bill negotiations, contending that knowing where your food comes from is somehow a barrier to trade. The new labels address concerns at the World Trade Organization by ensuring that consumers have access to clear and accurate information that lets them know the source of their food.

“On this Thanksgiving, celebrate U.S. farmers and ranchers by eating a meal raised right here in America—brought to you by the farmer, rancher and consumer groups that advocated for country-of-origin labeling.”

The organizations represented above include Coalition for a Prosperous America, Consumer Federation of America, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Food & Water Watch, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, National Consumers League, National Family Farm Coalition, National Farmers Union, Powder River Basin Resource Council, Public Citizen, Oregon Rural Action, Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Western Colorado Congress, and Western Organization of Resource Councils.

Additionally, 229 farm, rural, faith, environmental and consumer organizations have supported the new rules, as seen in the attached letter from April 2, 2013.