Farmers Back Push To Bolster Country Of Origin Food Labelling

AUSTRALIA - Western Australian farmers have welcomed a Federal Government move to strengthen country of origin labelling for processed foods.

Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran is to form a working group to develop a voluntary 'Australian Grown' labelling scheme.

The group will also examine the Trade Practices Act to ensure greater accuracy in packaged food labelling.

It follows a decision last year to strengthen country of origin labelling for fresh fruit and vegetables.

WA Farmers Federation president Trevor De Landgrafft says the measures could go even further. "I think state of origin labelling is something that'll come later on, it'll be a voluntary code," he said.

"But that's probably the ultimate and that's how it'll affect Western Australian producers but I think Australian producers are going to benefit significantly from country of origin and just truth in labelling."

Mr De Landgrafft says the new labels must differentiate between Australian produce and food that is simply packaged or processed in Australia.

Source: Abc.net.au