The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, better known as the "Farm Bill", required the country of origin labels for beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts. Enforcement of the law has twice been delayed as a result of strong resistance from the meat lobby.New York Times: Labels Lack Food’s Origin Despite Law (July 2, 2007)
Henry Bonilla
Former U.S. House of Representatives member Henry Bonilla has been credited in large part for delays in the implementation of the labeling program. During his time as head of the appropriations subcommittee on agriculture, Bonilla pushed for the passage of two public laws that pushed back the program's start date. Coincidentally, Bonilla received $369,578 in campaign contributions from the livestock industry from 2002-2006.New York Times: Labels Lack Food’s Origin Despite Law (July 2, 2007)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Labels required for seafood in 2005
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September 30, 2008
Labels required for all other commodities
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Fact:
$65.3 billion in food imports to the United States in 2006
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Fact:
United Fishermen of Alaska noticed increased sales after mandatory labeling
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Fact:
U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated a $1.9 billion budget for the program
