It’s time to reinstate Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling
R-CALF USA MEMBER ALERT
To: North Dakota Members and Affiliates
From: R-CALF USA Field Director Karina Jones
Date: July 5, 2022
Subject: North Dakota is KEY in Reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling on Beef Greetings, Fresh off a long holiday weekend, when many Americans enjoyed grilling their favorite cut of beef, we continue to be disappointed that our government hasn't taken action to ensure that every American has information on the beef at the marketplace, to differentiate where it was born, raised, and harvested! But now, we are receiving communication out of Washinton D.C., that conversations have been had with Senator Cramer about supporting and co-sponsoring the American Beef Labeling Act, S. 2716. His response was that they had not heard from their constituents on this issue. North Dakota now becomes a key to moving this important legislation forward, but we must call on your help! Please call the capitol switchboard number at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak to Senator Cramer.
Following Congress’ 2015 repeal of MCOOL for beef, North Dakota consumers have been paying record prices for beef at the grocery store while North Dakota cattle producers continue receiving decade-old, depressed prices for their cattle. These practices of a consolidated and uncompetitive beef packing industry are exploiting consumers, workers, and ranchers alike here in North Dakota and throughout the United States. Reinstating MCOOL is one step towards creating a level playing field and rebuilding a fair and just food system. John Hoeven has stepped up and shown leadership, we’re asking Senator Cramer to do the same!
Thank you to Senators Tester (MT), Rounds (SD), Thune (SD), Hoeven (ND), Booker (NJ), Lummis (WY), Barrasso (WY), Gillebrand (NY), Heinrich (NM), and Lujan (NM) for their leadership and being on board as cosponsors!
Here's what to say
By Phone
Contact:
(202) 224-2043 Washington Office, or
(701) 699-7020 North Dakota Office.
Here is what to say when you leave a message or talk to one of Senator Cramer’s staffers:
If you're a consumer, say: “Hello, my name is ___________ I’m a beef consumer from (your town) North Dakota, and I want you to Co-Sponsor the American Beef Labeling act with Sen. John Hoeven. I want to know where my beef comes from. Thank you.”
If You’re a Cattle Producer, Say: “Hello, my name is ________________ and I’m a cattle producer from (your town), North Dakota. Consumers are paying record high prices for beef while my cattle prices are seriously depressed. One reason for this is because consumers cannot tell the difference between beef from my cattle and beef from foreign cattle. Please fix this by cosponsoring with Sen. John Hoeven and immediately pass Senate Bill 2716 that reinstates mandatory country of origin labeling for beef. I need you to pass this bill so I can begin competing in my own market. Thank you.”
