Agricultural News
NCBA's Danielle Beck Touts Beef Industry's Recent Wins in Fake Meat Battle, But War's Not Over
Tue, 05 Feb 2019 16:08:58 CST
Danielle Beck covers many different issues on behalf of cattle producers as a lobbyist in Washington, DC for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. One of her priority issues that she is focused on currently here in 2019, is what the beef industry has dubbed "fake meat," or cell-based cultured protein. She offered a brief update on the status of that issue and couple others she is tackling right now, to Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays this past week during the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans. You can listen to their complete conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page. According to Beck, quite a lot has happened on the fake meat front since last year's convention when the NCBA first passed policy on the issue.
Most recently, she says, United States Department of Agriculture and the Food & Drug Administration have announced that both agencies will jointly oversee the regulation of cell-based protein products. The agencies have divided the responsibilities - giving FDA oversight on the processes of cell collection, cell harvesting and cell banks. USDA has been awarded oversight of the day-to-day production of cultured protein and its labeling, which Beck says are the two most important areas.
"That gives USDA primary jurisdiction and we're really thrilled to see that," she said. "But, right now both agencies need to continue talking and figure out all the details of the Memorandum of Understanding that will really govern the terms of this joint agreement."
This is a process that could potentially take months, even years to complete, depending on how this ongoing discussion unfolds and whether or not a formal rulemaking process is deemed necessary. While some "fake meat" companies contend they are ready to enter the market even now, Beck says ultimately, the American consumer will not see these products on grocery store shelves until these terms are finalized. In the meantime, she says NCBA will continue to ensure that the interests of its members are protected and fully represented as talks continue.
"We're always going to be glad to compete for the center of the plate, but this issue about fairness," she said. "As new products come to the market, if they're going to be targeting our consumer segment and mimicking our product, they need to play be the same set of standards and rules."
Listen to Beck and Hays talk more about the issue of "fake meat," and others such as NCBA's recent work with updating the National Dietary Guidelines and obtaining permanency for certain favorable terms in the current tax code, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
Our coverage from New Orleans and the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will be powered by Corteva Agriscience, delivering solutions to help you manage weeds and brush- learn more by clicking here for their website- www.RangeAndPasture.Com.
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