A group of legislators led by Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) urged the Farm Bill Conference Committee on Friday to modify a Country of Origin Labeling rule that could lead to retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products.
Reed and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) led the bipartisan effort to send a letter signed by 23 legislators to the conference committee members.
“New York agriculture could face steep retaliatory tariffs if this regulation is not amended,” Reed said. “The list of targeted products threatened by increased tariffs includes apples, cheeses, maple syrup and wine – all agricultural products New York State and our district are known for. We have to enact a fair fix that protects the agriculture community and our local economy as a whole from what has the potential to have a widespread negative impact.”
The USDA issued a COOL rule pertaining to meat products last spring. It resulted in both Canada and Mexico threatening to place new regulatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports.
Reed and the group of bipartisan legislators requested that the conference committee work toward a compromise that would relieve the threat of new tariffs.
“We’re weighing in with the conference committee in response to what we heard from constituents,” Reed said. “If this regulation is left in place it may have crippling effects on some of our most successful products. The Farm Bill presents us with an opportunity to maintain the valuable trading partners we have in Canada and Mexico and safeguard against the tariffs. While understanding of the need for labeling standards, we should find common ground that cares for the entire agriculture community.”