August 19, 2002

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Deputy Administrator Barry L. Carpenter will lead a session on country of origin labeling requirements during the American Meat Institute's (AMI) Annual Convention and Innovation Showcase in New Orleans Oct. 24 - 26. The session, titled "Debate in Progress: Country of Origin Labeling Requirements," is scheduled for 8:30-9:45 a.m. Saturday Oct. 26.

The requirement for identifying the country of origin of some meat and poultry products was passed in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Carpenter will give an overview of the requirements of the new mandate and the operational impact of those requirements. The limitations of existing systems for trace back and the on-going debate over its relevance and support throughout the food supply chain also will be highlighted.

AMI's annual convention provides a forum for viewing new technologies and products for the meat and poultry industry. Featuring more than 200 exhibitors, the showcase is a place for innovative industry suppliers to feature new products. In addition, the convention features separate educational conferences including environment/operations, government and public policy, management and finance and marketing. The Annual Meat Industry Research Conference also will be held Oct. 24 - 26.

For more information on the 2002 AMI annual convention, please call AMI's convention department at 703-841-2400 or visit www.MeatAMI.com.