HJR 45-SALMON LABELING CHAIR MURKOWSKI announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45, Relating to the labeling of salmon food products. Number 025 SARAH BRYNER, Intern to Representative Beth Kerttula, Alaska State Legislature, came to the witness table accompanied by Representative Kerttula, sponsor of HJR 45. Ms. Bryner explained that HJR 45 simply supports actions by Alaska's congressional delegation to acquire labeling of farmed and wild salmon. This labeling would provide consumers with the knowledge of what is in their food and where it came from, as well as providing Alaska's salmon industry "the leg up that it needs." She remarked that although Alaskans know that wild salmon is superior to farmed salmon, the rest of the country is just beginning to realize it. In this month's Vogue magazine, for example, a food critic discusses his distaste for farmed salmon. With labeling, consumers will be forced to choose between a filet labeled "Alaskan salmon" and a filet labeled "Chilean salmon." CHAIR MURKOWSKI noted that the committee packet includes a host of letters in support of HJR 45. Number 056 REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG requested a synopsis of the federal legislation. MS. BRYNER explained that the federal legislation is an amendment to the "farm bill," which requires country-of-origin labeling for salmon and that the [U.S.] Secretary [of Agriculture] has the ability to label Alaska wild salmon as organic. In further response to Representative Rokeberg, Ms. Bryner related her understanding that the congressional legislation originated in the Senate, but now is H.R. 2646. Number 092 CHAIR MURKOWSKI pointed out that the [federal legislation] would require country-of-origin labeling. Therefore, she asked how salmon would be labeled as Alaska salmon. MS. BRYNER directed the committee to Section 282(a)(C)(ii) and said she wasn't sure if that required labeling by state. CHAIR MURKOWSKI expressed the hope that Alaska wouldn't be prohibited from labeling the salmon as Alaska salmon. Number 117 REPRESENTATIVE BETH KERTTULA, Alaska State Legislature, testified as the sponsor of HJR 45. Representative Kerttula explained, "You could always say that it's Alaskan, but this would absolutely require the labeling, so we'd get the other country's fish label and farmed-fish label." Number 124 SUE ASPELUND, Executive Director, Cordova District Fishermen United, testified via teleconference, mentioning that she represents the fishing fleets of Area E. Ms. Aspelund expressed pleasure in supporting HJR 45, which is an excellent example of state government supporting federal government. She noted that the large growth in importation of farmed fish products competes with Alaska's wild salmon and thus severely impacts the viability of fishing in this state. Therefore, labeling will help differentiate farmed fish from wild salmon for consumers. Number 139 GERALD (JERRY) McCUNE, Lobbyist for United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), testified in support of HJR 45. He informed the committee that after his last discussion with U.S. Senator Murkowski, he understood that the labeling would be [from the state of origin]. This resolution is a good step. Mr. McCune recalled [that the federal legislation] called for the labeling to include whatever is added to the fish, such as salt would be added for smoked fish. REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG inquired whether anything in federal or state law would prohibit a retailer from labeling Alaska salmon. MR. McCUNE answered that he didn't believe so. He noted that in Alaska some markets advertise Alaska salmon and some label them as farmed, wild, or previously frozen wild. He related his belief that Washington State is the only state with a labeling law for salmon. This [federal legislation] speaks to the entire U.S. He noted that much of the [salmon] from Norway is already labeled with the country of origin, but that from Chile isn't. MR. McCUNE, in further response to Representative Rokeberg, explained that Washington State passed a legislative law, but there was no money to implement it; he indicated it is now being enforced. The labeling in Washington State refers to whether the [salmon] is farmed or wild, and it doesn't prevent [labeling from the country of origin]. Number 186 REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG indicated perhaps Alaska needs labeling similar to that of Washington State. MR. McCUNE mentioned SB 208, which addresses the Alaska labeling law. Number 216 REPRESENTATIVE HAYES moved to report HJR 45 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, HJR 45 was moved out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.