Twenty-seven Washington State lawmakers have sponsored House Bill 2712, which would require the state’s retailers to mark meat as either “USA beef” or “imported.” House Bill 2712 would require grocery stores to post a “conspicuous placard” by the “USA beef” and another one by the “imported” beef.  To qualify for the USA beef label, beef must come exclusively from animals that were “born, raised, and processed in the United States” or “ born and raised exclusively in the United States and transported for a period of time not more than sixty days through any other country and slaughtered in the United States.”

Rep. Joel Kretz, the prime sponsor and member of the House Rural Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, stated that he is sponsoring the bill this year because beef producers in Washington have higher standards, more safety protocols and quality controls. In addition to the lawmakers, the Washington Fair Trade Coalition, which consists of members including labor, health, environmental, faith-based and social-justice groups, endorsed the bill.

Representatives of feedlots and packers stated that a state labeling law would harm relationships with Canadian producers they need.  The Washington Cattlemen’s Association also opposes the bill. We will continue to monitor any developments.