When Danni Beer, cattle rancher from Keldron, SD, thinks about truth in labeling, it’s from a mom’s perspective.
“I want what is best for my kids. I want what is most healthy and most nutritious,” says the third-generation rancher and president of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA).
As a mom, rancher and leader of USCA, Beer was among a group of Farmers Union members who testified before the USDA, asking that they not allow cell-cultured protein to be labeled as “meat.”
“Make it truthful labeling. Our beef can compete with any product out there if consumers know the difference,” Beer says. “And, if the USDA allows cell-cultured protein to be blended with meat raised in the conventional manner, that is not truthful. How will consumers know?”
Truthful labeling is not a “wait and see what happens,” issue for Beer and South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU). Along with testifying in D.C., during convention, SDFU staff helped members share their thoughts on truthful labeling and comment on the USDA website.
“Commenting does matter,” explains Tammy Basel, Union Center, SD, sheep and cattle producer and a member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
Her thoughts were supported by Jess Peterson. During his convention address, the USCA executive vice president explained the impact of lobbying efforts of USCA’s and National Farmers Union in D.C.
“Does it matter to get involved? Does it make a difference? Yes. We have done a great job working together. So far, we have gotten the other side to stop referencing their product as ‘clean meat.’ But, we still have work to do,” he says.
“It’s always been about the word, ‘meat.’ Something grown in a petri-dish should not be labeled as meat.”
Peterson explained that due to lobbying efforts, the labeling of petri-dish or cell-based protein is now a decision that will be made by the USDA and it will be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
“We want consumers to have a choice,” Peterson explains.
SDFU member and third-generation Amherst, SD, cattle producer, Paul Symens, says he is happy truthful labeling is an issue SDFU is taking up. “We need to hit this hard. Something grown in a petri-dish has no right being labeled as meat,” Symens says.
He added that he is quite concerned over the health risks associated with petri-dish protein. Jerry Petik is too.
“The beef animal produces nutrients essential to life and those are passed along to us when we eat their meat. These may not be produced when protein is grown in a test tube,” explains the Meadow cow-calf and small grains producer.
“The consumer needs to know what they are eating.” — WLJ
