Why Food Labels Matter: The Case for Local Beef Transparency

Beef ranchers check on a herd of cattle in Quemado, Texas, on June 13, 2023. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Commentary

Last week I called my Texas representative, Wes Virdell, frustrated that my property taxes had increased by more than $11,000 in a single year. As a farmer, I also pressed him on the need for policies that support farms in building infrastructure to sell directly to consumers—without triggering excessive tax hikes. He agreed with me but then asked for my help with something.

He introduced me to House Bill 1385, a simple one-page bill that would require all beef sold in Texas to include a country-of-origin label. Of course, I immediately agreed to support it and said I would call the committee members to request a hearing for the bill.

I later learned that there may be concerns among some industry groups about the implications of this bill. While their perspective hasn’t been publicly detailed, it raises an important and timely question: Should transparency in food labeling be a priority for everyone involved in agriculture and food production?

As a Texas cattle producer, I believe this is not just a regulatory issue—it’s a matter of food integrity and national resilience. Policies that promote clear labeling can empower consumers while also supporting local producers who take pride in the quality and origin of their beef.

The Monopoly on Meat

Most Americans don’t realize that just four major companies control 85 percent of the meatpacking industry in the United States, and that two of them are Brazilian-owned.

Current labeling laws allow imported beef to be labeled as “Product of the USA” if it is processed domestically, which can be misleading to consumers. Strengthening transparency would give people more control over the choices they make for their families and their communities.

This situation also raises concerns about how animals from different countries are being mixed in processing, with ground beef potentially containing meat from thousands of animals across multiple regions. In this context, clarity in labeling becomes not just a marketing issue, but a matter of informed consent.

The Risks of a Centralized Food System

Highly centralized systems can be efficient, but they are also fragile. If a single large processor suffers a cyberattack, faces a major recall, or experiences a labor disruption, the entire supply chain can be affected.

That’s why we need to see local food systems as a national security priority. In an emergency, access to air, water, and food is fundamental. As a nation, we invest heavily in military defense, energy security, and infrastructure—but our food systems are often overlooked.

The United States is now a net importer of food, bringing in more than we produce domestically. This trend leaves us vulnerable. Without a move toward more decentralized, regional food networks, we may find ourselves unprepared to feed our own people in times of crisis.

Consumers Deserve to Know the Truth

Country-of-origin labeling is a foundational step toward greater food transparency. Consumers should be able to make informed choices—whether they prefer inexpensive, globally sourced options or high-quality, locally raised meat from a single origin.

Increased transparency would also create a fairer marketplace for ranchers and producers who take the time to raise animals with care and commitment to quality. Labeling can help them stand out in a crowded marketplace and connect more directly with the values of their customers.

Support Your Local Farmers

I will always stand on my soapbox to remind people: buy your meat, dairy, eggs, and produce from farmers you know. Shake the hand that feeds you.

Building strong relationships with local farms ensures the survival of family agriculture, strengthens our communities, and gives us greater security in uncertain times.

If you’re a Texas resident, consider contacting the House Committee on Trade, Workforce & Economic Development and requesting a hearing for House Bill 1385. Whether or not it passes, we must keep the conversation going about how to make our food system more honest, resilient, and rooted in the people and places we trust most.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.