April 30, 2021

 

NBA members can help build support for the Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act by recruiting additional co-sponsors in both the U.S. Senate and House.

 

This legislation would prevent water buffalo products from being deceptively labeled as buffalo, which misleads consumers and negatively impacts the U.S. bison industry. The bipartisan bill provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with authority to ensure that products with water buffalo are marketed as “water buffalo” so consumers aren’t misled to believe the product contains bison. Bison products would continue to be labeled as “bison” or “buffalo”.

 

The need for legislation is prompted by the importation of water buffalo meat into the United States, which is being label and marketed in a manner that leads consumers to believe they are buying North American bison.

 

The Legislation in the Senate, S. 1168, is being sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) Current Co-sponsors include:

 

 

The identical bill introduced in the house is H.R. 2596. The primary sponsors are U.S. Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and Billie Long (R-MO).

 

We need to recruit additional co-sponsors for this legislation. Click here to find the appropriate contact information for your Senators and Representatives (if your Senator or Representative isn’t listed contact NBA Executive Director Dave Carter at dcarter@bisoncentral.com).

 

 

Sample Communication for Senators:

 

Dear Senator ______________,

 

I am writing to request that you co-sponsor S. 1168, the Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act, sponsored by Sens. John Hoeven and Michael Bennet.

 

I am a bison producer from (your area…briefly describe your operation). Bison producers worked hard over the past two decades to connect with customers across the country around the quality of bison meat, and the ecological attributes of American bison. Now, the integrity of our marketplace is being undermined by deceptively labeled water buffalo products coming into the U.S. marketplace.

 

S. 1168 would require that any water buffalo food products in the U.S. marketplace be properly labeled as “water buffalo.” This simple change will stop these deceptive practices, and till provide consumers with the confidence that they are getting what the pay for.

 

If you are willing to sign on as a co-sponsor, please reach out to Aaron Weber in Sen. Hoeven’s office at aaron_weber@hoeven.senate.gov or Austin_mccleery@bennet.senate.gov.

 

If you need additional information on this issue, please reach out to Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association, at dcarter@bisoncentral.com.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

 

 

Sample Communication for Representatives:

 

Dear Representative ______________,

 

I am writing to request that you co-sponsor H.R. 2596, the Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act, which was introduced by U.S. Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and Billy Long (R-MO).

 

I am a bison producer from (your area…briefly describe your operation). Bison producers worked hard over the past two decades to connect with customers across the country around the quality of bison meat, and the ecological attributes of American bison. Now, the integrity of our marketplace is being undermined by deceptively labeled water buffalo products coming into the U.S. marketplace.

 

H.R. 2596 would require that any water buffalo food products in the U.S. marketplace be properly labeled as “water buffalo.” This simple change will stop these deceptive practices, and till provide consumers with the confidence that they are getting what the pay for.

 

If you are willing to sign on as a co-sponsor, please reach out to Joe Minges in Rep. Perlmutter’s office at joe.minges@mail.house.gov or Russ Olchyk in Rep. Long’s office at russ.olchyk@mail.house.gov.

 

If you need additional information on this issue, please reach out to Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association, at dcarter@bisoncentral.com.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

(Your Name)