For nearly three decades, I, Adam Reiser, have been immersed in the USA Certification business, working closely with Presidents Clinton, Bush Jr., Obama, and Trump. Over the years, I have seen the "Made in USA" and "Product of USA" labels being wielded as tools of nationalistic pride. However, the real issue at stake is far more personal and immediate—it’s about the well-being of U.S. families and farmers. It transcends the dichotomy of Big Ag versus Small Ag. It's fundamentally about providing U.S. consumers with transparency regarding the origin, processing, and treatment of their food.
Advanced Technologies for Transparency: To achieve this level of transparency, we must leverage advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI can analyze vast amounts of data to ensure compliance and detect irregularities in real time. Blockchain technology provides an immutable and transparent ledger that records every step of the food production process, from farm to table. IoT devices can monitor and report on environmental conditions, animal welfare, and production processes, providing continuous, real-time data that enhances trust and accountability.
Consumer Demand for Transparency: U.S. consumers are increasingly demanding to know where their food comes from, how it’s processed, and what chemicals are used. They want assurance that the chopped meat they buy is not a mixture of animals from various sources. Questions about the legality of raw milk and the heavy regulation of hemp further complicate the landscape, often attributed to the influence of politicians and industry insiders who wish to maintain control over their respective domains.
Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL): Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) is a critical component of transparency that requires retailers to notify their customers with information regarding the source of certain foods. This labeling law, enforced by the USDA, ensures that consumers are informed about the origin of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and certain nuts. MCOOL provides consumers with the ability to make informed decisions based on the origin of the products they purchase, fostering trust and confidence in the food supply chain.
The Need for Real Oversight: As USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has noted, streamlining and clarifying processes can reduce the need for heavy-handed federal regulation. Instead, we could rely on oversight mechanisms with sufficient authority to penalize bad actors. The current landscape, unfortunately, is riddled with finger-pointing among industry players and a lack of cohesive action towards consumer transparency (USDA) (House Committee on Agriculture).
The Role of Industry Leaders: Take Bill Bullard from R-CALF, for example. He is an exceptional advocate for U.S. beef and a staunch supporter of MCOOL, but he faces significant opposition from Big Food and Big Processors. These industry giants resist regulatory measures that would enhance consumer confidence and transparency because they fear the scrutiny and potential loss of control. Big Food and Big Processors prefer to maintain their dominance by limiting the options and validation processes available to small, independent producers. This resistance, while understandable from their perspective, poses a significant barrier to consumer trust. Consumers want and deserve to know the full story behind their food, and refusing to engage in transparent practices only perpetuates mistrust and invites further regulation.
The Consequences of Internal Conflict: Internal conflicts within the agricultural industry exacerbate the problem. Each sector fights to maintain dominance, often at the expense of consumer trust and industry-wide coherence. This infighting leads to increased regulation to manage the chaos, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately harms both producers and consumers.
Small U.S. Farmers Under Siege: Industry titans and Big Wall Street are wiping out small U.S. farmers and farms. Central planning seeks to control these independent producers who refuse to be tethered to a rigid system. Their independence threatens centralized control, leading to increased pressure and regulatory burdens that disproportionately affect smaller operations.
A Practical and Affordable Solution: We propose a practical and affordable solution for small U.S. farmers and producers to address these challenges. For a one-time setup fee of $100 and a monthly fee of $10, each farmer, producer, or grower can obtain a unique Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) on a blockchain ledger. This system includes local coordinates, state validation, organization validation, product validation, and a customized seal linking to validated documents. This base service ensures validation for MCOOL and provides a foundation for consumer trust. Additional services and options are available for those who need more comprehensive solutions, but this basic package is designed to be accessible and affordable for every U.S. producer.
Building a Path Forward: We need a unified approach that prioritizes transparency and accountability without politicizing the process. Here are key steps we must take:
- Promote Independent Certification: Independent third-party certification can provide the transparency consumers demand without overwhelming producers with government regulations. We can offer consumers confidence in their purchases by certifying products as MADE IN USA or PRODUCT OF USA. Our platform, MADE IN USA ONE, has been dedicated to this cause since 2001, emphasizing that TRUTH MATTERS in every aspect of certification.
- Enhance Consumer Education: Educating consumers about the certification process, the benefits of buying certified products, and the realities of food production will empower them to make informed decisions.
- Support Fair Oversight: Establish oversight bodies with the authority to enforce standards and effectively penalize non-compliance. This approach can minimize the need for extensive federal regulation while maintaining industry integrity.
- Foster Industry Cooperation: Encourage collaboration among industry players to create standardized practices that benefit all stakeholders. Reducing infighting will help streamline operations and build consumer trust.
- Address Consumer Concerns: Tackle issues like raw milk's legality and hemp's regulation head-on. Engage in honest dialogue with consumers and policymakers to find balanced solutions that protect public health without stifling innovation.
- Leverage Technology for Transparency: Utilize AI, Blockchain, and IoT monitoring to ensure full transparency in the food supply chain. These technologies can provide real-time data and insights, assuring consumers of the integrity and safety of their food (USDA).
Keeping Food Out of Politics: It's essential to depoliticize the food certification process. Consumers are well-informed and aware of the influence of money in politics. Ensuring that the certification process remains independent of political and industry control is crucial. We must focus on creating a system that prioritizes the health and safety of U.S. families and the sustainability of U.S. farms over political agendas and financial interests.
In conclusion, the future of USA Certification lies in our ability to prioritize consumer transparency, promote independent certification, and support fair oversight. By addressing these issues collaboratively and leveraging modern technology, we can reduce the need for heavy-handed regulation and build a food industry that U.S. families can trust. The goal is not just to make products in the USA but to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and safety for the benefit of all.