| COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABING (COOL) WHEREAS, imports of beef, pork and lamb, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, have increased significantly under current trade agreements; and WHEREAS, cattle, hogs and lambs are often imported live to the United States and live here only a brief time before slaughter; and WHEREAS, the country of origin of these foods is seldom disclosed to the consumer; and WHEREAS, consumer choice would be enhanced by the right to know the country of origin of the food they purchase and eat; and WHEREAS, country-of-origin labeling would allow domestic producers of beef and other commodities to market more effectively to consumers who prefer domestic products; and WHEREAS, North Dakota has had a law requiring country-of-origin labeling of beef, pork, and lamb since 1999, which has yet to be enforced; and WHEREAS, several North Dakota grocers have complied with North Dakota’s law of their own volition; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that South Central Citizens Coalition urges regional grocery stores to comply with North Dakota’s current country-of-origin labeling law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that South Central Citizens Coalition urges the State Department of Health to write rules for the enforcement of North Dakota’s current country-of-origin labeling law and then enforce them; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that South Central Citizens Coalition urges the United States Department of Agriculture to write the rules for County of Origin Labeling Law so that the least expense is placed on the American producers and according to the intent of Congress. |