Beef Industry Reaction to USDA Label Proposal a Mixed Bag

A USDA proposal advocating for new requirements for “Product of USA” labeling is receiving mixed responses from livestock groups. The rule would require beef products vying for the optional label to include beef only born and raised in the U.S. Currently, only meat processed in the U.S. can qualify for the homegrown label.

While the shift is the Biden-Harris administration’s way of promoting increased competition and more markets for domestic meat, some groups in the U.S. beef industry have concerns. The CEO of the North American Meat Institute says the adjustment could likely result in trade retaliation from Canada and Mexico. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the U.S. cannot afford to “replace one flawed government label with another flaws government label.” Many groups advocate for continued voluntary labeling, but one that is trade-compliant.

Read more on the label proposal and industry response here.