Farm legislation from almost a decade ago require that all meat be labeled with its country of origin, and that has hurt Canada’s meat industry. Toledo Blade reports that the country of origin labelling (COOL) dispute between the United States and Canada could result in sanctions on U.S. exports, including those from Michigan and Ohio.
COOL has made Canadian meat more costly and less competitive than other countries’ meat. The World Trade Organization ruled against the U.S. after Canada complained about COOL’s policies, but then the U.S. adjusted the legislation. Canada sued the U.S. again after the modifications and won.
However, Canada will implement steep tariffs on U.S. farm products if COOL isn’t repealed by late summer. This would cost Michigan $684 million in exports and $326 million in Ohio. In addition, 9,000 jobs could be cut in the U.S. packing industry.
Via: Toledo Blade > COOL law chills U.S.-Canada ties, threatens Michigan exports
More about the COOL controversy:
- The COOL facts: American people love it, others don’t Jan. 29, 2015
- World Trade Org. says COOL is unfair to Canada, Mexico Oct. 21, 2014
- The COOL controversy continues Nov. 9, 2013
- USDA modifies mandatory COOL rule May 24, 2013
