USDA Promotes Voluntary ‘Product of USA’ Label

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To commemorate National Agriculture Day on March 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a national public awareness campaign to inform meat, poultry and egg producers of the “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard that went into effect Jan. 1.

The label is reserved for meat, poultry and egg products from animals that were born, raised, harvested and processed in the United States. The claim is voluntary. Previously, imported products were allowed to carry the claim after minimal processing in the U.S., said USDA.

Since 2017, the U.S. has lost over 17% of family farms, reported the agency — more than 100,000 operations over the last decade. The national herd is at a 75-year low, while consumer demand for beef has grown 9% over the past decade, according to USDA.

Last October, USDA released its plan to fortify the American beef industry, setting goals to rebuild domestic capacity, improve transparency across the supply chain and ensure U.S. ranchers can compete on a level playing field.

“Our great patriot ranchers and producers grow, raise and harvest the world’s safest, most affordable and abundant food supply,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “American consumers want to support America by buying American, and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness and trust. This new standard policy ensures producers who invest in a fully American supply chain can compete fairly, and it gives consumers the confidence they deserve about the food they bring home.”

Added U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., “Our farmers and ranchers are essential to putting real food back at the center of the American plate and delivering on the dietary guidelines for Americans. ‘Product of the USA’ labeling puts American producers first, gives families clear, honest information and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home.”

Learn more at productofusa.gov.