Louisiana Approves “Farm of Origin” Strawberry Labeling Law

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R) has reportedly signed a bill (H.B. 430) that requires “farm of origin” labels on all strawberries sold in the state. According to the bill’s sponsor, Representative Stephen Pugh (R.-Ponchatoula), strawberry growers backed the measure “as a way to protect the integrity of their industry.”

With input from the Louisiana Strawberry Marketing Board, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Food Quality Services staff will reportedly promulgate the rules and regulations for enforcement, a process estimated to take 120 days. LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain said the labeling “will let consumers know they are getting the freshest product possible. Consumers are concerned about food safety, and it’s always good to know where the food we eat was grown, produced, processed, or prepared.” See LDAF Press Release, June 15, 2010.