Trump Orders 90-Day Review of Beef Origin Labels as 660 Million Pounds of Imports Loom
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Trump Orders 90-Day Review of Beef Origin Labels as 660 Million Pounds of Imports Loom
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Summary
A September executive order told the Agriculture Department and U.S. trade representative to assess mandatory country-of-origin beef labeling within 90 days and either draft rules or recommend legislation.
The review is meant to ease ranchers' anger over plans to import more than 660 million pounds of lean beef trimmings at reduced tariffs, a move they fear will depress cattle prices.
Brooke Rollins said the administration wants shoppers to distinguish U.S.-only beef from cheaper imported product, potentially letting domestic beef command a premium.
The push still faces industry resistance: retailers, meatpackers, feedlot operators and larger ranchers say mandatory labels would add costs, while smaller and independent ranchers back them.
The labeling review extends Trump's broader cattle agenda after executive orders this month aimed to support ranchers during a beef supply crunch and a U.S. herd near a 75-year low.