US: Agri org hails WFO trade policy adoption

National Farmers Union (NFU) in the US has applauded the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) for adopting its first policy on international trade. The historic policy was adopted during the WFO’s third General Assembly in Niigata, Japan this week.

“The WFO is committed to the pursuit of ambitious trade policy objectives and the reinforcement of the global agricultural trading system so that we can operate in a fair, transparent and predictable trading environment,” the policy noted.

Among its key policy objectives, the WFO body highlighted the need for country-of-origin labeling requirements that allow countries to distinguish their products without distorting trade.

“America’s farmers, ranchers and livestock producers take great pride in making high-quality products available to consumers, who are demanding more information about from where their food comes,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We are pleased that the WFO recognises the importance of country-of-origin labeling and has incorporated the principle into its trade policy.”

According to the US Government Accountability Office, 57 countries, including Canada and Mexico, require some form of country-of-origin labeling for food. These countries account for 94% of US trading activity for food and animals.