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CCA Calls WTO COOL Ruling Historic And Decisive Victory

Two of Canada's largest livestock organisations are welcoming the WTO's ruling on COOL - and Ottawa's threat to move immediately towards retaliatory tariffs.

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association calls the WTO ruling an historic and decisive victory.

President Dave Solverson is urging the U-S Congress to finally repeal COOL on red meat.

Canadian Pork Council Chair Rick Bergman agrees - saying it's high time the illegal impact of COOL on Canada's exported livestock is recognized by Congress.

The CPC estimates COOL has cost Canadian hog producers nearly 3 billion dollars since it's introduction in 2009.

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association says it has spent 3 and a quarter million dollars fighting the legislation.

Both Bergman and Solverson joined federal politicians, including Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, at a news conference this week in Ottawa.

Ritz and Trade Minister Ed Fast warned the U-S must repeal COOL or face retaliatory measures.

Besides pork and beef, the government's list of possible retaliatory tariff targets include wine, corn and office furniture.

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