SENATOR NICELEY, CROWE CO-SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO LABEL MEAT RAISED IN STATE AS “TENNESSEE-RAISED”

The Tennessee Senate approved legislation last week which calls for labeling meat raised in the state as ‘Tennessee-raised.’ The bill, which is sponsored by Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) and Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), helps consumers make informed decisions regarding their meat and poultry purchases, while helping local farmers market their products.

“This legislation will go a long way toward easing consumers’ minds regarding where the meat they are eating is raised,” said Sen. Crowe. “At the same time, it helps our farmers market and sell “Tennessee-raised” meat.”

The federal government repealed the Country of Origin Labeling Act (COOL Act) and replaced it with labeling meat as a ‘product of the USA.’ Sen. Niceley says this means the meat may come from any country in the world, but as long as it is repackaged in the U.S. it is allowed to have that label.

Niceley said, “There is a big push among state residents to buy local produce and meats. When you buy local meat, the money stays in your community with substantial economic benefits for our farmers.”

“The origin of meat is often questioned,” Sen. Crowe added. “This bill will give consumers in the state confidence that the meat they are purchasing is grown within Tennessee.”

Senate Bill 2049, which received unanimous approval, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.