WASHINGTON, DC – USDA is promoting a stricter “Product of USA” label standard to improve transparency and strengthen demand for domestically produced meat, poultry, and eggs.
The voluntary labeling rule, which took effect January 1, 2026, requires that animals be born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States to qualify. The announcement, made by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on National Agriculture Day, is accompanied by a national awareness campaign to increase understanding among producers and consumers.
The updated standard replaces prior guidance that allowed imported products to carry the label after minimal processing. USDA says the change is designed to align labeling with consumer expectations and ensure that producers investing in fully domestic supply chains can compete more fairly.
The move comes as the U.S. livestock sector faces structural challenges. USDA notes the loss of more than 100,000 farms since 2017, alongside a cattle herd at a 75-year low, even as beef demand has grown over the past decade.
The labeling effort is part of a broader USDA initiative to rebuild domestic capacity and improve market transparency across the supply chain.
Farm-Level Takeaway: New label rules may strengthen demand for U.S. products.