Ever wonder where your goat meat came from? No? Well several Senators did, so their chamber’s version of the farm bill extends country of origin labeling to chickens, macadamia nuts, and goat meat. The labels, which are already required for beef, pork, lamb, peanuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables, should appear by late next year.

At the request of the chicken industry, the Senate farm bill would add chicken to the list of meats that would be labeled by country of origin beginning Oct. 1. Chicken producers have taken the opposite position of most beef and pork groups, which have opposed labeling. Richard Lobb, a spokesman for the National Chicken Council, said the industry asked Senate leaders to add chicken to the list because other countries have expressed an interest in exporting chicken to the United States and consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the origin of food. Lobb noted that 95 percent consumed in the United States is domestically produced, but the Agriculture Department has granted Chile the right to export chicken to the United States and is considering an application from China.

We love patriotic chicken because it tastes like freedom. The macadamia nut provisions were pushed by Hawaii’s Senators, but we still don’t know who lobbied to protect goat meat. The farm bill is currently simmering in conference committee as the House and Senate reconcile their differences.

Senate Slips Chicken Into COOL Farm Bill Provision [Cattle Network]
(Photo: foxypar4)

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