The MCOOL debate is continuing as the Trump administration and Congress consider potential changes to country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef. A September 4 executive order directed USDA to review existing legal and regulatory authorities for establishing mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and to consider legislative recommendations.
Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, says the order could provide momentum for efforts to permanently reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling, commonly known as MCOOL.
MCOOL Review Could Lead to Legislative Action
Under the executive order, USDA, in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative, has 90 days to review the authorities available for establishing mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. The review is also directed to include an economic analysis of the potential impacts under current conditions.
Bullard emphasized that the executive order itself does not immediately reinstate MCOOL.
“He has acknowledged that Congress will likely need to be involved in this,” Bullard said. “And of course, we believe that Congress is the swiftest route in order to permanently reinstate country of origin labeling.”
Bullard added that “nothing immediate is going to happen as a result of that executive order,” but said he believes the action could encourage Congress to move forward on the issue.
Country-of-Origin Labeling Included in Farm Bill Debate
The MCOOL discussion is also taking place as lawmakers work on the 2026 Farm Bill. The Senate Agriculture Committee passed the Agriculture Act of 2026, known as Farm Bill 2.0, on September 16. The legislation is now part of the broader Senate consideration of a new farm bill.
The Senate Agriculture Committee’s current Farm Bill 2.0 materials outline a broad package covering agricultural programs, including risk management, conservation, specialty crops and rural development.
The combination of the executive order and congressional consideration puts country-of-origin labeling among the ongoing policy discussions affecting the cattle industry. For cattle producers and beef industry stakeholders, the next steps will depend on the USDA review as well as congressional action.
Listen to the accompanying podcast for more from Bill Bullard on MCOOL, the executive order and the ongoing discussion over country-of-origin labeling for beef.