Grange News

This information has been taken from the October issue of the Washington State Grange News regarding the new USDA rules that will require country of origin lables. Also be advised that copies of the interim final rule and additional information can be found at: www.ams.usda.gov/Cool.

"At the end of July the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued an interim final rule for the mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) program that will become effective September 30.

For years the National Grange, consumers and other agriculture groups have been pushing for enactment of labeling regulations that would allow shoppers to learn where their food products were grown. Other interests - primarily grocery retailers and food packagers - blocked the legislation again and again but, finally, these new rules will allow for implementation of country of origin labeling.

The rule covers muscle cuts and ground beef (including veal), lamb, chicken, goat and pork; perishable agricultural commodities (fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables); macadamia nuts; pecans; ginseng; and peanuts - as required by the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. USDA implemented the COOL program for fish and shellfish covered commodities in October 2004.

Commodities covered under COOL must be labeled at retail to indicate their country of origin. However, they are excluded from mandatory COOL if they are an ingredient in a processed food item.

The rule will become effective September 30, 2008. To allow time for covered commodities that are already in the chain of commerce - and for which no origin information is known or been provided - to clear the system, the requirements of this rule will not apply to covered commodities produced or packaged before September 30, 2008.

The Grange's longstanding policy regarding COOL reads as follows: "The National Grange supports Country of Origin Labeling and strongly urges the implementation of the program on all food products by the USDA. Further delays of this program are not beneficial to the United States producer or consumer. The National Grange encourages educating the consumer on the benefits of this program."

Following the new Top 2 Primary, a new statewide poll shows that Washington voters prefer it over the "pick-a-party" system - 82 percent of the independents, 68 percent of the Democrats and 66 percent of the Republicans.

Ballots for the general election will be sent to Wahkiakum County voters in the near future - The Grange's annual Candidates Forum, an evening designed to give you the opportunity to meet with and talk to the local candidates, will be held the week of October 13th - watch the paper for the final infomation and please plan to attend. See YOU at the Grange!