[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO INCLUDE MACADAMIA NUTS IN THE MANDATORY 
                   COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to include 
macadamia nuts in the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program 
established in the 2002 Farm Bill. The provisions for macadamia nuts 
would be similar to those for peanuts whereby roasted and flavored nuts 
in cans or other packaging would be labeled, but not nuts that are used 
for candy or as ingredients in other foods.
  Hawaii produces the highest quality macadamia nuts in the world. The 
premium macadamia nut product--and the one where the quality, of the 
nut is most apparent--is the roasted and flavored nuts in cans or other 
packaging. Using lower quality nuts for these types of products when 
the packaging implies a Hawaii origin damages Hawaii macadamia growers 
in two ways: by decreasing demand for Hawaiian nuts (and therefore 
prices), and by damaging the reputation of Hawaiian macadamia nuts.
  Country-of-origin labeling will give my Hawaii growers a well-
deserved competitive advantage based on the quality of their product. 
Hawaii was the pioneer in developing a national and international 
market for macadamia nuts and many producers in other countries trade 
upon Hawaii's reputation to market their nuts.
  The long-term viability of Hawaii's agriculture is tied to our 
ability to distinguish our high-quality products from those produced in 
other countries. And the cachet of Hawaii origin is also a market 
advantage. I have no doubt in the superiority of Hawaiian papayas, 
pineapples, mangoes, bananas, and macadamia nuts. Country-of-origin 
labeling will make it easier for consumers to distinguish among 
different origins and will result in a market advantage for Hawaii 
farmers.
  For all of these reasons, my bill is fully supported by the Hawaiian 
macadamia nut industry.
  Currently, the mandatory country-of-origin labeling law applies to 
farm-raised and wild fish and shellfish; ground and muscle cuts of 
beef, lamb, and pork; fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; and 
peanuts. Country-of-origin labeling for fish and shellfish began on 
September 30, 2004; labeling for fresh produce, meats, and peanuts is 
currently mandated to begin on September 30, 2006.
  I ask for my colleagues' support for adding macadamia nuts to the 
country-of-origin labeling law so that my macadamia nut fanners can 
enjoy the same marketing benefits as growers of American peanuts.

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