EWA Requesting Members Comment Now in Opposition to USDA AMS’ COOL Changes
Comment Period Ends April 13th!
The Exotic Wildlife Association joins other associations in opposition to the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS)’s proposed changes to the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) program for venison. This includes all of our deer and elk ranchers. COOL is a labeling program that requires retailers, such as grocery stores, convenience stores and farmer’s markets, to provide extra labeling noting the country of origin. This change originates from the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA AMS’ proposed rule estimates this mandate will cost the industry nearly $1 million to comply with little or no economic benefit.
Even more appalling, is the USDA AMS’ definition of cervid and venison includes antelope and nilgai. Nilgai and antelope are not deer and this is not helping the argument to distance antelope and blackbuck from cervid rules, such as CWD.
* Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Comments may also be submitted to Julie Henderson, Director, COOL Division, Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); STOP 0216; 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 2620-S; Washington, DC 20250-0216. All comments should reference docket number AMS-LPS-16-0014.
