The USDA is preparing for the mandatory COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) that goes 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.
The process for 4-H’ers is relatively simple. Animals that are “on the ground” or born by July 15, 2008, will be “grandfathered” into the program. However, any animals changing ownership and born after that date will need the COOL affidavit.
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, goat). This affidavit is located at, http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/COOL/COOL%20Forms.doc. 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-H’ers 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-H’ers can provide authorities with this affidavit along with other documents listed at the bottom of page 1 of the affidavit document (birth records (calving report, PigChamp, PigTales, etc.), purchase/sales receipts, etc.)
4-H’ers who purchase their livestock from others MUST have the producer fill out the affidavit, give it to the 4-H’er, and the 4-H’er should keep the affidavit on file for a minimum of two years. For example, a 4-H’er goes to buy his steer from a producer. The 4-H’er needs the producer (seller) to fill out and sign the affidavit.
Plans are underway at the State 4-H office to add this topic to the 4-H FSQA (Food Safety Quality Assurance) programs.
Information concerning COOL will be featured in the Green Gazette over the next few months.
If you have any questions prior to the release of information in the Green Gazette, please contact Bill Drey at 712-623-2592.