Outgoing ag secretary defends new labeling rules

The outgoing U.S. secretary of agriculture defended new country of origin labeling requirements, predicted improving conditions for producers and expressed optimism about agriculture's future during a visit Monday to San Antonio. On Monday, the department released details of the final country of origin labeling regulations that came from the new farm bill. The Food & Water Watch repeated its criticism of the regulation, saying “a massive loophole” governing processed foods will allow large quantities of meat products, frozen vegetables and nuts to be sold without a label saying where they were produced. But Schafer said the regulation struck a good balance between the needs of farmers, retailers, food safety interests and others in the production chain. Despite concerns raised by growers in Canada and Mexico, the regulations will comply with world trade agreements and should be given a chance to work, the secretary said....