Senate ag spending bill backs origin labeling for meat imports

Senate ag spending bill backs origin labeling for meat imports    A $17 billion agricultural spending bill, passed by the Senate on Nov. 16, includes a provision supporting country of origin labeling for imported meats sold in the United States.
   The House version of the same bill, which passed in July, excludes funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture country of origin program, which was mandated by Congress in the 2002 Farm Bill. The requirement becomes effective in the fall of 2004.
   Both the House and Senate must now conference on their agricultural spending bills to come up with a final version for the president to sign.
   The U.S. cattle industry has voiced strong support for the origin labeling requirement. It’s estimated that 11 percent of meats consumed by Americans are imported.