Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling becomes effective in September of this year as a result of language included in the 2002 Farm Bill.  However, The Agriculture Committee bill passed last week would amend the farm bill to make country of origin labeling voluntary.

       Since the mandatory language passed back in 2002, we have learned from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and others that implementation by the deadline would be very difficult for many reasons that were not considered at the time of passage.  However, it would not be difficult to include farm raised catfish as mandatory since most farmers raise the fish from the time they are hatched until the time they are processed. 

       Because of this, I offered an amendment that would have left farm raised catfish mandatory and included a verification process to be implemented by USDA.  I am cautiously optimistic my language that would benefit our catfish farmers will be included in the text of the final bill.

       As your United States Representative, I will continue to work with committee members and USDA officials in an effort to meet the needs from all aspects of the food and retail industry.