06/23/05 Missing the point

Missing the Point Sometimes I think even well informed people can miss the point. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll tell you what I mean right after this. I read an editorial by Steve Cornett in Farm Journal's Beef today, recently and I think he might be missing the point about foodstuff origin labeling, particularly beef labeling. Mr. Cornett was berating the Montana legislature for passing their own Country of Origin Labeling law especially since they also implemented a rule that says Montana producers can label their beef as "made in Montana." He feels this legislation not only tries to protect Montana producers from Canadian beef imports, but also stifles free trade between states. I've read Mr. Cornett's articles before and have enjoyed them, feel they are informative, and he does make some good points in this article to support his remarks, but I think this time he has listened to Canadian beef producers and large beef packers long enough that he hasn't had time to realize the consumers of today actually feel better knowing where their food comes from. Now they might not buy the American product, but if it is labeled they do have the chance to make a choice. I think that is what Montana's legislation is aboutgiving the consumer a choice and being proud enough of your product to put it on a label. The legislation does not block products from outside of Montana from entering the state; it just gives the consumer the option of a choice. Several other states have passed similar lawsmaybe they see something that Mr. Cornett has overlooked. I'm Jeff Keane. Farm Journal Spring 2005