_____________ resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA ENCOURAGING LABELS THAT STATE "PRODUCT OF THE USA", "MADE IN THE USA", "US BEEF", OR "US PORK" ONLY BE ALLOWED ON BEEF AND PORK FROM COWS AND PIGS BORN, RAISED, AND PROCESSED IN THE UNITED STATES.

            WHEREAS, products using the "Product of the USA" label must meet specific criteria that are currently outlined by the Federal Trade Commission; and

WHEREAS, foreign beef and pork are currently able to receive a United States Department of Agriculture inspection label, but the additional "Product of the USA" label deceives the consumer and harms the Montana rancher; and

WHEREAS, beef and pork should be treated with the same discretion as all other food and manufactured products to inform the consumer of the source of their food; and

WHEREAS, labeling provides important information, and a true "Product of the USA" label protects and helps the consumer to make good decisions about purchasing a high-quality product that supports American ranchers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the United States Department of Agriculture be encouraged to allow only beef or pork from cows or pigs that are born, raised, and processed in the United States be labeled as "Product of the USA", "Made in the USA", "US Beef", or "US Pork".

be it further resolved, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the United States Secretary of Agriculture and the Montana Congressional Delegation.