Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson is among those speaking out against a newly announced product labelling rule out of the U.S.
In a statement released on March 15, the Highwood MLA voiced his concerns over the recently announced change to country-of-origin labelling (COOL).
"Alberta is deeply concerned about the United States’ plans to implement ‘Product of USA’ voluntary labelling on meat, poultry and eggs derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. When this decision comes into effect in January 2026, it could disrupt the highly integrated meat and livestock supply chains that exist between Canada and the United States."
The rule, announced by the United States Department of Agriculture on Monday, would require voluntary "Made in USA" or "Product of USA" labels to only be applied to meat and poultry products wherein the animals were born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the States.
It's seen opposition from Canada's federal government and numerous organizations, who have shared similar sentiments, with concerns over how it could affect meat exports.
Concerns on the Canadian side largely revolve around the trading relationship between Canadian and U.S. livestock producers
“We are committed to making sure Alberta producers and processors continue to have open access to efficient, stable, competitive markets in the United States. Maintaining the integrated supply chains will provide food security for consumers and benefit the livestock and meat industries on both sides of the border," reads Sigurdsoin's statement.
“Alberta respects the long-standing trade relationship between our countries. We will continue working closely with the Government of Canada and the other provinces to ensure the United States understands our ongoing concerns about the impact this new voluntary labelling regulation could have on trade.”
The rule is set to come into effect in 2026.
Fri, May 3, 1:30 PM
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