There were some tense moments but by the end of last month, U.S. politicians had essentially given the green light to their massive Farm Bill – overriding their president’s decision to veto the law. And as the dust settles, two industry analysts on this side of the border confirm its contents could have a profound effect on Canadian producers.
LONDON — A country of origin labeling law that has been on the books in the U.S. since 2002 but stalled as the country’s politicians figure out just how to implement it will likely come into effect this fall. But Mark McConnell, a trade lawyer representing the interests of Ontario’s swine producers on the issue, predicts some sort of transition period or moratorium on enforcement will be introduced. The intervention would allow the U.S. livestock industry to adjust and, in the process, soften the blow on Canadian producers during the law’s first few months of existence.