Made in USA Labeling Rule and Reviving Farm Bill
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**A new USDA labeling rule takes effect Jan. 1, tightening standards for when meat, poultry and egg products may be identified as a product of the United States.
Under the regulation, finalized in March 2024, companies may use labels such as “Product of USA” or “Made in USA” only if the animals were born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the U.S.
The regulation applies only to domestic sales, not exports.
**Congressional Republicans plan to revive stalled farm bill negotiations in January after failing to pass a new measure by year’s end, extending uncertainty for farmers.
House Ag Committee Chair G.T. Thompson says he hopes to schedule a committee markup ahead of a Jan. 30 funding deadline, though he acknowledged it may be difficult to attach the bill to must-pass spending legislation.
The delay marks Congress’ third year without updating major agriculture policy.
**For only the second time this year, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above a growth-neutral reading of 50.0.
The December reading hit 50.1, its highest level since July, and was up from November’s 44.0.
When asked to identify the most effective policy changes to boost farm income, half of the bank CEOs named the reduction of farm tariffs and trade restrictions as the most effective or useful.
