Smithfield Foods has announced it will process only hogs born and raised in the United States, effective April 2009.
The announcement comes as new labeling regulations become effective for various meat, fruit and vegetable products. As of Sept. 30, 2008, mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) is required for all covered commodities supplied directly or indirectly to a retailer.
Smithfield’s Sept. 24 statement says it intends to procure only hogs born and raised in the United States at its U.S. facilities. The company says labeling will be used to communicate this to consumers.
“Smithfield expects that any independent producer who wishes to be a valued supplier of live animals to Smithfield will work with the company between now and the end of March to create a fully documented and transparent supply of hogs born and raised in the USA,” the statement says.
There was a lot to be positive about in the pork industry the last week of October. I realize it is difficult to be optimistic when you are still losing $25 to $30/head. I also realize that positive news at this point could be as dangerous as it is welcome. But facts are facts, and we must recognize them.
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As I begin this week's column, I"m reminded of two different "flip side" statements that may help characterize the topic at hand. The first is the old Archie Campbell schtick - "That's good - no that’s bad," which I have used before. The second reflects President Truman's frustration with economists' incessant use of the qualifier - "on the other hand" - to introduce the contrary opinion on a given topic. President Truman once demanded in his usual colorful language: "Will someone please find me a *!&%$*?>
