SASKATCHEWAN APPLAUDS FEDERAL TRADE CHALLENGE

The Government of Saskatchewan today expressed support for the Government of Canada's World Trade Organization trade challenge of Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) imposed by the United States.

"COOL is already putting Canadian livestock producers at a disadvantage," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "We have asked the federal government to initiate a trade challenge and I applaud their step today to stand up for the Canadian livestock industry."

COOL, which went into effect on September 30, 2008, requires U.S. retailers to inform consumers of the country of origin of certain foods, including muscle cuts and ground forms of beef (including veal), lamb, chicken, goat and pork.

Bjornerud said COOL appears to be inconsistent with U.S. international trade obligations and is already disrupting trade flows between Canada and the U.S. A number of American meat packers have restricted their procurement of Canadian livestock as a result of the requirements. The extra record-keeping and segregation requirements of COOL are also costly.

"The time has come for Canada to take direct action to minimize COOL's harmful impact on our livestock industry," Bjornerud said.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca