Product of USA: President Trump’s USDA Strengthens Consumer Confidence

In 2026, President Donald J. Trump's U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, continues to strengthen American agriculture with the USDA's "Product of USA" labeling program. Designed to promote transparency, consumer confidence, and support for American producers, the initiative establishes clear and trustworthy guidance. A USDA labeling standard, the "Product of USA" claim is reserved exclusively for meat, poultry, and egg products from animals that were born, raised, harvested, and processed entirely within the United States. While participation in the program is voluntary, companies choosing to display the label must satisfy transparent and verifiable requirements, giving consumers greater confidence that the products they purchase genuinely originate in America.

The program is part of a broader USDA strategy to strengthen the nation's beef industry by supporting independent ranchers, family farmers, and small and mid-sized meat processors. By establishing clear and consistent labeling, consumers can more easily identify products that directly support American agriculture and rural economies. Juan Ramos, Founder and CEO of Fort Worth Meats, emphasizes the importance of honest labeling, saying, "Origin should never be a mystery. Consumers deserve labels they can trust, U.S. producers deserve recognition for what they produce, and every meat product should be represented honestly for what it is. Working from pasture to package gives us a unique appreciation for the responsibility behind every label. Honest representation honors the work of producers and gives consumers the confidence to know exactly what they're buying."

The "Product of USA" program also complements other USDA initiatives that invest in America's food supply chain, including the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) program. Together, these efforts are intended to expand processing capacity, encourage greater competition, improve efficiencies, and foster innovation among American producers. As markets become more competitive, consumers stand to benefit from increased confidence in the food they purchase and, over time, more affordable prices at the grocery store. As Secretary Rollins explained, "...we are working to ensure American families have continued access to nutritious, high-quality American beef while promoting greater competition, a more resilient food supply chain, and long-term affordability at the grocery store."

Texas is the nation's leading producer of beef and one of the top producers of poultry and eggs. Under the leadership of Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas is well positioned to lead the way in advancing this labeling effort. By supporting American agricultural businesses, strengthening rural communities, and helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions, the "Product of USA" program reinforces confidence in the nation's food supply while promoting economic opportunity across Texas and the United States. In doing so, agricultural businesses strengthen, rural communities thrive, and families can be confident they are purchasing nutritious, high-quality products made in Texas.

About the Author

Calvin Pacleb is a consultant with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. His work within Robert Half’s consulting practice focuses on financial systems and operations in the private equity industry. Additionally, Calvin is the founder of The Catholic Action Network, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit focused on entrepreneurship, economic development, and investment as pathways out of poverty.