CO SJR031

Colorado agriculture contributes $41 billion to the state's economy and employs nearly 173,000 people, with Canada and Mexico representing 42% of Colorado's export market.

The 2008 mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (mCOOL) law requires meat produced in the U.S. from imported livestock to bear different labels than meat from U.S.-born livestock, with a 2013 USDA rule requiring detailed labeling of birth, raising, and slaughter locations.

The World Trade Organization ruled that the U.S. mCOOL law discriminates against imported livestock from Canada and Mexico in violation of U.S. trade obligations.

Colorado could face substantial retaliatory tariffs on agricultural and non-agricultural products if mCOOL legislation is not brought into compliance with WTO Article 2.1, causing negative economic impacts and job losses in the state.

The resolution directs that copies be sent to President Obama, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Trade Representative, Colorado's congressional delegation, and Canadian and Mexican consular officials.