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Announcing LABELS, a free monthly bulletin
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LABELS: Linking Consumers and Producers - Vol. 1, Number 4 September
19, 1997
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Table of Contents
- Announcing LABELS: Linking Consumers and Producers
- Industry Stifling EU Eco-Label Progress
- ISO Draws Closer To Eco-Label
- Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Labeling Update
- Comment Period Reopened For Frozen Produce Labeling
- Mexico Expected To Table Grape Labeling
- News Briefs
- Events
- Position Notice
- Resources
- Correction
ANNOUNCING LABELS: LINKING CONSUMERS AND PRODUCERS
We are pleased to introduce a monthly publication from the Institute for
Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), Labels: Linking Consumers and
Producers.
Labels provides readers with relevant, up-to-date news, events and
resources related to the labeling of products for environmental, social
and regional sustainability. Labeling products with respect to the
sustainability of their production, processing and transporting is a
powerful tool for achieving more environmentally sound, economically
viable, biologically diverse, and socially just communities. IATP
encourages information exchange on the development, implementation and
impact of labeling initiatives.
Labels is distributed electronically via an automated list serve. To
subscribe, send e-mail to: majordomo@igc.apc.org. Leave the subject
line blank. In the body of the message say: subscribe label-news.
Contact Kathryn Clements, kclements@iatp.org, if you need any
assistance. Labels is also available, along with all the IATP news
bulletins, via our website: http://www.sustain.org/bulletins.
INDUSTRY STIFLING EU ECO-LABEL PROGRESS
A "lack of cooperation" from industry is responsible for the sluggish
progress being made toward achieving an EU eco-labeling scheme.
According to Helias Udo de Haes, writing in the first edition of the
Journal of Industrial Ecology, EU policy makers "chose the wrong
partners" by focusing on industrial sectors rather than individual
companies. Employing individual companies to help develop an eco-label
program would yield great improvements as it would "surely increase
willingness to engage in environmental competition," said Professor Udo
de Haes, an expert in life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. He
previously worked with the European Commission on the use of LCA in the
EU eco-label program.
Increasing the role of consumer organizations in the development process
could accelerate the pace, Udo de Haes maintains. Such organizations
have the flexibility to publicize information about products in
different ways. "Information about products may be expressed in the
form of an eco-label. But...consumer organizations might [also] compare
different products in their publications and signal their preference,"
he noted.
"Industry blocking EU eco-label progress," ENDS DAILY, August 21, 1997.
ISO DRAWS CLOSER TO ECO-LABEL
The International Standards Organization is possibly just several months
away from issuing a draft international eco-labeling standard, known as
ISO 14024. The proposed standard reportedly has the backing of two-
thirds of the world-wide ISO delegation. Once approved, the draft
standard will be circulated for a five month ballot process. The final
standard may be issued by late 1998, informed sources say.
Britain's ISO delegation, however, opposes the current proposal, voting
against the document's progression. According to John Lawrence, Chair
of the British Standards Institution's (BSI) Environmental Labeling
Committee, said the U.K. is opposed to ISO 14024 as proposed because it
lacks clarity as to its intention. Lawrence says the standard currently
mixes an attempt to harmonize existing eco-labeling schemes with trying
to guide interested parties wanting to set up an eco-labeling program.
BSI worries that mixing the two approaches will make it difficult for
newcomer organizations to identify the key elements of ISO 14024.
According to BSI documents, the original intent of ISO 14024 was to
apply to labeling programs using labels to inform customers that "a
third party is certifying that the labeled product meet[s] a set of
predetermined criteria which are considered to promote environmentally
sound purchasing decisions for products of that category." Lawrence
noted that BSI has "been consistent in our opposition [to the proposed
standards] because we want it to be as good as possible, and we have
been consistent in our view of what needs to be done in order to achieve
that."
A 1995 ISO 14024 document, highlights the concern that environmental
labeling programs could possibly pose a barrier to trade. "The
proliferation of programs with different criteria, methodologies, and
certification procedures creates increased difficulties and costs to
applicants from foreign countries." For this reason, environmental
labels are considered quite controversial, although ISO 14024 itself is
not necessarily considered controversial.
"ISO 14024 eco-labeling proposal poised to become draft international
standard," INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT REPORTER, September 3, 1997.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO) LABELING UPDATE
A coalition of nearly 50 agricultural companies and associations urged
President Clinton this month to fight against the EU's proposed broad
GMO labeling scheme. The coalition said that the guidelines could result
in product segregation even though the EU has said it does not support
such segregation as part of the scheme. The coalition based its concern
on the EU's proposed guidelines for labeling GMO content in products,
and argues that any labeling should be based on product safety issues.
The coalition urged the President to support their position that the EU
"should not require additional labeling unless there are scientifically
established issues of safety, such as the introduction of a known
allergen; a significant change in nutrients or composition; or a change
in identity."
In related news, the European Commission approved draft measures
September 10 ordering that Austria and Luxembourg lift bans on
genetically modified maize imports. The EC based its decision on the
findings of three scientific committees which held that genetically
modified maize does not pose a danger to human health or the
environment. Environmental groups condemned the decision. The European
Parliament is likely to decry the move as well: It passed a motion in
April accusing the Commission of putting commercial considerations ahead
of consumer safety on the issue. The maize is manufactured in the U.S.
by the pharmaceutical company Novartis.
"Agricultural interests urge U.S> to fight against broad EU GMO labels,"
INSIDE U.S. TRADE, September 12, 1997; "Maize: Brussels to overrule bans
on genetically modified food," FINANCIAL TIMES, September 11, 1997.
COMMENT PERIOD REOPENED FOR FROZEN PRODUCE LABELING
The U.S. Customs Service announced August 18 that the comment period on
proposed country-of-origin labeling of imported commercial products has
been reopened. Formal comments on a regulation requiring front panel
country-of-origin labeling on imported frozen produce packages will be
accepted until October 17, 1997.
The original comment period for the proposed rule closed in September
1996, yielding a majority of comments opposing front-panel labeling of
country-of-origin. The American Alliance for Honest Labeling reports
that since that original comment period, 79 members of Congress have
written Treasury Secretary Rubin to enact the proposal. The proposed
front-panel labeling rule was introduced in 1996 in response to a Court
of International Trade (CIT) ruling: The CIT ruled with respect to
Section 304 of the Tariff Act of 1930-- requiring country-of-origin
labels on product imported into the U.S. be labeled in a "conspicuous
place," that "conspicuous place" did mean front panel placement of
information for imported frozen produce packages for retail sale.
Press Release: AMERICAN ALLIANCE FOR HONEST LABELING, August 21, 1997.
MEXICO EXPECTED TO TABLE GRAPE LABELING
Mexican officials are expected to grant a 90-day suspension of country-
of-origin labeling on California table grapes. The Mexican government
began enforcement of the 1996 law on June 2, requiring all table grape
imports to bear the variety name, shipper and importer in Spanish. The
California Table Grape Commission (CTGC) and U.S. government officials
met with Mexican officials to work out a deal and at press time it was
expected that a suspension was imminent.
California table grape exporters are relieved at the prospect of the
90-day suspension, which will carry them through the remainder of the
1997 season. CTGC President Bruce Obbink said that the time is needed by
both sides to look at the best way to implement and enforce the rule.
"There was so much confusion on where this sticker should be placed, who
puts it on, where it's put on, the size of the sticker, the font size -
if you can imagine that- and where was it going to be enforced," Mr.
Obbink said.
He said that it is the table grape industry's position that, upon re-
enforcement of the rule, the product importer bears the responsibility
for country-of-origin labeling, rather than placing the onus on the
shipper. "The requirements for labeling need to be put on by the people
[for whom] the labeling law is designed," Mr. Obbink said. "We're
marketing grapes in 30 different countries. It would be an absolute
nightmare to try and function if we had to label each box with 30
different languages." Shippers have complained that the law requires
that the label be put on by the shipper only after being sold to an
importer.
The Mexican country-of-origin rules cover a host of products ranging
from brandy to fruits and vegetables to cigars, and were introduced as
part of sweeping new labeling rules introduced last year along with
other requirements for content, nutrition, and safety labeling. The
labeling regulations have raised concern in the U.S. textile, food and
leather goods sector as exporters complain that the rules are too rigid
and that there is confusion around which agency actually enforces them.
Mexican commerce officials, some U.S. exporters say, promised soft
enforcement when the labeling rules were introduced. However, it is the
finance ministry that is charged with managing enforcement via their
jurisdiction over customs activities: U.S. exporters complain the
finance ministry is holding products to the letter of the law.
In a parallel story, Mexican officials announced that domestic and
foreign companies may participate in a 60-day comment period on proposed
new label rules for leather goods. The comment period began September 6.
"Mexico may derail labeling law," THE PACKER, September 6, 1997;
"Foreign firms allowed to comment on Mexico's label rules for leather,"
JOURNAL OF COMMERCE, September 5, 1997.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Honduras Apparel Manufacturers Association (HAMA) announced that it
is instituting a code of conduct intended to prevent labor abuses in
apparel factories and improve environmental performance. A spokesman
for the organization says it mirrors the Apparel Industry Partnership
initiative President Clinton launched last year. The US-based National
Labor Committee said that type of plan will not ensure living wages for
workers or provide adequate monitoring of factories. The Honduran code
is not government-mandated, but all HAMA members will be required to
enlist the code. JOURNAL OF COMMERCE, September 2, 1997.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) agreed this
summer to expand consumer protection guidelines to include sustainable
consumption. An expert group of government representatives,
international organizations and NGOs will work to develop the guidelines
to be submitted for approval by Summer 1998. The guidelines may include
eco-labeling; product pricing that considers environmental cost; and
guidelines to control misleading 'environmentally friendly' advertising.
ECOSOC's consumer protection guidelines are used as a model for consumer
protection legislation, particularly in developing countries. CONSUMER
CURRENTS, August 1997.
EVENTS
Global Purchasing--Strategic Procurement Tactics For the 21st Century:
October 27-29, 1997. Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by First Chicago NBD
and The International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC). Includes a
module on third party certification for compliance with social
accountability standards. For more information contact IQPC. Ph: +01/
973/256/0211. E-mail: <info@iqpc.com>.
Take It Back! 97: November 17-18, 1997. Alexandria, Virginia. Recycling
seminar organized by Raymond Communications, Inc. (Riverdale, Michigan).
Addresses recycling policy and corporate solutions for environmental
packaging, labeling and electronics take-back. For more information call
+01/301/345/4237.
POSITION NOTICE
Sales Coordinator Position Announcement: The Food Alliance (TFA), a
non-profit organization dedicated to promoting expanded use of
sustainable agriculture practices, seeks a Sales Coordinator to develop
and implement TFA's food eco-label program. The position requires a
detailed working knowledge of the agriculture and food industries. A
high level of credibility with retailers and experience developing sales
programs is necessary. Position will be based in Portland, Oregon with
significant travel in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The application
deadline is September 30th. Submit a resume, three references (including
people associated with your recent experience), and a cover letter of no
more than two pages to Sales Director, The Food Alliance, 2703 NE 11th,
Portland, OR 97212. E-mail: <tfa@teleport.com>.
RESOURCES
American Alliance for Honest Labeling (AAHL). AAHL was formed in
January 1997 to promote the enactment of a US Cusuoms Service proposal
which would clarify the current law by requiring front panel labeling
for imported frozen produce packaging. PO Box 65196; Washington, DC
20025. E-mail: <info@honestlabeling.org>. Web site: <http://
www.honestlabeling.org/index.html>.
"Slow progress in ecolabelling: technical or institutional impediments".
By Helias Udo de Haes. Published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology.
Volume 1, No. 1. Winter 1997. Issue available from Circulation
Department; MIT Press Journals; Five Cambridge Center; Cambridge, MA
02142-1493; USA. Telephone: 01/617/253/2889. Fax: 01/617/577/1545.
The Virginia Association of Biological Farming (VABF) has developed a
collaboration with Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet to create the
BuyGreen Virginia Partnership. This project aims to bring healthier
food choices to Virginia consumers while encouraging sustainable farming
by producers. To learn more about the BuyGreen Virginia project or to
participate in any of its programs, contact: Jeanne Nye, VABF project
coordinator, 1715 Blair St.; Christiansburg, VA 24073; phone: 1/540/
633/6633. E-mail: <Nyej@vt.edu>
CORRECTION
A story in Volume 1, No. 2 of LABELS: Linking Consumers and Producers
incorrectly stated that Chiquita Brands International is pursuing the
use of ECO-OK labeling for the European market. The use of the word
"eco" is legislatively restricted in the European Union to mean
"organic." ECO-OK certification, an initiative of the Rainforest
Alliance, is not a certification of "organic." Rather, ECO-OK is a
certification of sustainable operating practices outlined by the
Rainforest Alliance. While a number of Chiquita's Latin American
operations are ECO-OK certified, the company does not label its retail
bananas in the U.S. or Europe. A Chiquita spokeswoman said Chiquita
promotes its environmental initiatives to the European market via
point-of-purchase displays. For more information on the ECO-OK
certification program contact Eric Holst at the Rainforest Alliance, e-
mail: <eholst@ra.org>.
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Produced by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Mark Ritchie,
President. Editor: Judith Brienza, e-mail iatp@iatp.org. E- mail versions
are available free of charge. For information about fax or mail
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contact Dale Wiehoff, dwiehoff@iatp.org.
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
2105 First Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
612/870-3422
Fax 612/870-4846
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