By JOSH MITCHELL
Editor
River Mississippi News
NETTLETON, MISSISSIPPI — U.S. Department of Agriculture officials say, “fairness and competition,” are at the heart of a final rule aimed at assuring consumers that meat and poultry food products originated in the United States.
The “Product of USA” commodity label was announced today by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Vilsack also unveiled $9.5 million in USDA money for several dozen meat and poultry processing projects.
The final rule also seeks to give farmers a larger voice in seed patenting.
Moreover, officials say today’s actions are shrouded in fair-market principles geared toward healthy competition in the seed industry, which, they assert, fuels U.S. agricultural and economic growth.
Vilsack added that today’s supplanting of former U.S. agricultural marketing practices inches the country toward a fairer and more transparent farming market. They say this could also improve small-farm sustainability rates in the United States.
“This final rule will ensure that when consumers see ‘Product of USA’ they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved, from birth to processing, was done here in America,” Vilsack assured attendees of the National Farmers Union’s annual convention today.
Regional livestock and poultry producers and down can now apply for USDA grants to help pay for equipment and logistical needs. According to a USDA news release issued today, federal officials appear optimistic that these agricultural investments will positively impact area economies.
“USDA is also committed to boosting the farmer’s voice in our seed patent system and enforcing the disclosure laws on the books as we deliver more and better choices for farmers,” Vilsack added.
Click here to see the Product of USA final rule announced today by the USDA.
