Source: NATIONAL AG LAW CENTER

An Overview and Discussion of Country of Origin Labeling
Thursday, November 14, 12 to 1:30 p.m. (CST)

For more info, click here.  
 
Topic:

The debate over Country of Origin Labeling, or “COOL,” has intensified since mandatory COOL for several products – including beef, pork, and lamb – was included in the 2002 Farm Bill.  More than ten years later, this debate is still being held in all three branches of the United States government as well as before the World Trade Organization.   Generally speaking, COOL proponents assert that consumers have a right to know where their food comes from and that COOL economically benefits U.S. producers as a result of consumer preference.  Opponents – including Canada, Mexico, and some U.S. meat processors — generally argue that such labeling is unwarranted, costly, and protectionist.  Exactly how competing views and overlapping challenges will play out is far from certain, but the implications for producers, trading partners, consumers, and others can be significant.

Do consumers have a right to know where all of their food comes from?  And, if so, is it possible to legally require this information on food labels in a way that does not create undue economic hardship, violate U.S. constitutional law, or violate international trade law? Is COOL compelled speech? Does COOL prevent consumer deception?  This webinar will address these and other key questions surrounding the program as well as allow participants to address questions to the presenters.

The webinar is designed to be useful designed to be useful to anyone — attorneys, lobbyists, policymakers, extension personnel, producers, and others — with an interest in Country of Origin Labeling. It will begin with a synopsis of COOL, including its recent history and status.  It will then continue in a point/counterpoint format for discussion of key legal and policy issues.


Webinar Specifics & Registration:
Date:   Thursday, November 14, 2013
Time:  12 to 1:30 p.m. (CDT) / 1 to 2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Cost:   $75 for attorneys seeking CLE*
      $50 for others