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Luna County adopts proclamation backing country‑of‑origin beef labeling after MCOOL briefing
Summary
After a presentation on the MCOOL (country‑of‑origin labeling) movement by a pro‑producer speaker, the commission approved a proclamation supporting country‑of‑origin labeling for beef by unanimous roll call.
The Luna County Commission unanimously approved a proclamation supporting country‑of‑origin labeling for beef after a detailed presentation on the issue.
Brent Kenzie (identified in the meeting as representing producer interests) briefed the commission on the history and purpose of the MCOOL proposal — a federal labeling requirement that would compel retailers to show whether beef was born, raised and harvested in the United States. Kenzie outlined MCOOL’s legal and political history, including past implementation, World Trade Organization disputes and later repeal, and described federal bills (S.421 / H.R.5818) that would restore mandatory labeling.
"MCOOL would require all beef born, raised, and harvest cattle and calves ..." Kenzie said, arguing that mandatory labeling helps U.S. cattlemen differentiate product in a market dominated by a few large meatpackers. He told commissioners that advocates believe mandatory labeling improved returns to domestic producers during years it was enforced.
Following the briefing, the commission moved and adopted a proclamation expressing support for country‑of‑origin labeling for beef (roll call recorded Commissioner Trejo, Chair Harvey and Commissioner Chandler voting yes). The proclamation was described as a formal county statement of support, not a regulatory action.
Why it matters: A county proclamation does not change federal law or labeling rules, but it signals local elected officials’ policy preference to state and federal lawmakers. The meeting included no formal discussion of local regulatory steps because labeling authority rests with federal agencies and Congress.
Ending: The proclamation passed unanimously and staff will file the proclamation record. The commission did not take any additional legislative actions at the meeting.
