New Changes - Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)
As many of you know, the USDA is preparing for the mandatory COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) that went into effect September 30, 2008. There is an excellent website for those wanting to know more details on the Iowa Beef Center’s webpage at http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/COOL.htm.
What 4-H’ers Need to Do:
• The Iowa COOL Coalition has come up with a simple affidavit that can work for all species of livestock (beef, sheep, swine, poultry, and goat). Country of Origin Declaration - Page 1 explains the steps needed to be taken as well as example documents that can be used for an audit trail. Page 2 is the actual affidavit.
• 4-Hers who raise their own livestock for their projects need to fill this affidavit out and keep it on file for a minimum of two years. In the case of an audit, 4-Hers can provide authorities with this affidavit along with other documents listed at the bottom of page 1 of the affidavit document.
• 4-Hers who purchase their livestock from others MUST have the producer fill out the affidavit, give it to the 4-Her, and the 4-Her should keep the affidavit on file for a minimum of two years. For example, a 4-Her goes to buy his steer from a producer. The 4-Her needs the producer (seller) to fill out and sign the affidavit.
If you have questions about COOL and how it relates to 4-H livestock or will be purchasing your market beef animals before the FSQA meetings, call Dennis DeWitt at the Dickinson County Extension Office (712-336-3488), Jerry Weiss at the Pocahontas County Extension Office (712-335-3103), or Debbie Erpelding 712-732-5056
debbie
12/4/2008