Mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef has moved another step forward with the Senate Agriculture Committee’s 2026 Farm Bill. The legislation includes provisions tied to the American Beef Labeling Act that would restore mandatory labeling requirements for beef. The proposal directs USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant system identifying where cattle were born, raised and slaughtered.

Congress repealed mandatory beef labeling in 2015 following a WTO dispute that exposed the United States to retaliatory tariffs. R-CALF USA and the United States Cattlemen’s Association support restoring the requirement, arguing consumers should have more information about beef origin. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Meat Institute oppose a mandate, citing potential compliance costs. The Farm Bill has cleared committee but still requires further Senate action.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEMandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef has moved another step forward with the Senate Agriculture Committee’s 2026 Farm Bill. The legislation includes provisions tied to the American Beef Labeling Act that would restore mandatory labeling requirements for beef. The proposal directs USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant system identifying where cattle were born, raised and slaughtered.Congress repealed mandatory beef labeling in 2015 following a WTO dispute that exposed the United States to retaliatory tariffs. R-CALF USA and the United States Cattlemen’s Association support restoring the requirement, arguing consumers should have more information about beef origin. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Meat Institute oppose a mandate, citing potential compliance costs. The Farm Bill has cleared committee but still requires further Senate action.

Mandatory country-of-origin labeling advances