US produce industry members can learn firsthand how to implement the newly-released country of origin labelling (COOL) interim implementing regulations from representatives of the agency that wrote them during a free Webinar scheduled for 6 August. The Webinar, which is being co-hosted by the Produce Marketing Association and Western Growers, will feature an in-depth look at the new regulations from USDA administrator Lloyd Day.

Mr Day will present the new regulations – released by the USDA on 28 July – and explain what companies throughout the supply chain need to do to comply with them. He and other USDA representatives, including deputy administrator for fruit and vegetable programmes Robert Keeney, will then answer questions from Webinar participants.

“This Webinar will offer industry a first look at the brand new regulations,” said PMA vice president of government relations and public affairs Kathy Means. “We know time is of the essence, because COOL labelling has to be in place by 30 September.”

“There has been a lot of anxiety and concerns over false starts in the marketplace, so we are glad to provide this opportunity to go straight to the source to find out exactly what to do,” said Western Growers executive vice president Matt McInerney.

The Webinar will be held on 6 August at 2pm Eastern / 11 am Pacific time. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required. The agenda will feature a lengthy question-and-answer period, to give industry participants plenty of time to have their questions aired and addressed. For additional information and to register, visit: http://www.pma.com/webinar/COOL-2-Webinar.html.