Pork Industry Disappointed to learn of U.S. Decision to Appeal WTO Decision on COOL

Ottawa, ON -The Canadian Pork industry is disappointed to learn the United States has decided to appeal a World Trade Organization panel decision that struck down discriminatory and trade distorting elements of the U.S. Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) legislation as it applies to imported livestock.

"COOL increases costs and creates inefficiencies without improving consumer information," stated the Canadian Pork Council's Chair, Jean-Guy Vincent."An integrated North American market is more competitive and sustainable for all producers in the long run, and allows all of us to be more competitive globally."

The Canadian Pork Council worked in collaboration with the Canadian Cattlemen's Association to provide the analysis to support the government's efforts to establish that important elements of COOL are not consistent with WTO rules.The WTO Compliance Panel confirmed that the legislation restricted market access and is a technical barrier to the movement of live swine into the U.S. market.

"Justice delayed is Justice denied, and stalling and totally inadequate responses have already delayed enough. Further appeals which only delay the inevitable, negate the WTO requirement to conduct disputes in good faith," added Mr Vincent.
The CPC serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, our organization's purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.

Source: CPC