Hoeven’s bill calls for federal distinction between buffalo and bison products

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) wants to end a misleading labeling practice that he thinks does a disservice to bison ranchers, who have worked hard to create a growing market for bison — not buffalo.

Sen. Hoeven on Sept. 16 introduced bipartisan legislation that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to prohibit water buffalo products from being marketed as buffalo products.

“This legislation prevents the deceptive marketing of water buffalo as buffalo,” Sen. Hoeven said. “Our bill provides clarification to consumers by giving FDA the authority necessary to ensure proper labeling of water buffalo and establishing that buffalo is a common name for bison.”

Sen. Hoeven sponsored the Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act, S. 2479, with three cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO).

“Senators Hoeven and Bennet are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with the American bison ranchers who have worked hard for the past two decades to build a relationship with our customers that is founded in the quality of the meat produced from this magnificent animal,” said Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association, who called S. 2479 “a win for ranchers and their customers.”

Other supporters of the bill include the North Dakota Farmers Union, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Intertribal Buffalo Council, the National Farmers Union, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, R-CALF USA, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Farm Bureau, and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.

The measure has been referred to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for consideration.