Canada concerned about US country of origin regulations, Prop 12

Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, expressed concern that the United States’ Proposition 12 and voluntary country of origin labeling (VCOOL) regulations for animal agriculture could have the potential to restrict trade and disrupt supply chains.

Earlier this week, MacAulay embarked on his first ministerial outreach trip to the United States since his appointment as minister of agriculture and agri-food on July 26, 2023. He met with key industry and agri-food stakeholders to strengthen ties and advance shared priorities.

“Canada and the US have a bond like no other in the world,” MacAulay said. “My discussions with our American partners highlighted the important and unique agricultural partnership between our two countries. This is a connection based on shared geography, common values, mutual interests and economic ties, with the shared goal of building a sustainable agricultural sector that strengthens our rural economies, and feeds folks at home and around the world.”

While in Washington, MacAulay met with US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, where he voiced concerns of Prop 12 and VCOOL.

MacAulay and Vilsack discussed sustainable agriculture, as both Canada and the United States look to collaborate on global agricultural innovation on climate change. Efforts include identifying innovative tools to support decision making, monitoring and measuring enhanced sustainability, and resiliency in agricultural landscapes.

MacAulay also met with representatives from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Canadian Cattle Association. They discussed ways to reduce trade barriers and the importance of beef supply chains.