MSU student debate to address 'COOL' agriculture policy

Contact: Maridith Geuder

A Tuesday [April 27] public presentation at Mississippi State will examine the pros and cons of federal legislation requiring country-of-origin labeling for meat, fish and other perishable agricultural commodities.

The 11 a.m. debate in the Colvard Union small auditorium features opposing positions presented by students in a class titled "Public Problems in Agriculture."

Taught by Keith H. Coble, the agricultural economics class blends economics and political science in addressing government issues related to agriculture. "It is a part of the agricultural policy and law option in our new agricultural, food, and resource economics degree program," the associate professor explained.

The legislation to be debated was signed by President George W. Bush more than two years ago, with implementation responsibilities given to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A part of the 2002 Farm Bill, Country of Origin Labeling--COOL--has generated considerable national discussion and comment. As a result, implementation of the law is being delayed until 2006, except for wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish.

Foreign catfish imports, in particular, have been closely watched in Mississippi, where more than 400 commercial catfish operations faced keen non-domestic competition.

"Some of the key questions raised by COOL are its costs, standards for verifying country of origin, and whether labeling addresses food safety and food quality concerns," said John D. Anderson, assistant extension professor of agricultural economics. Estimates for implementing COOL "vary from less than $200 million to $9 billion," he added.

For more information, telephone Dr. Coble at (662) 325-6670.