The recent ban of Kerrygold butter in Wisconsin, due to stricter enforcement of a law which bans imported butter from being sold in supermarkets, has made headlines across the USA and left people travelling to neighbouring states to pick up their favourite butter.

Under Wisconsin legislation, retail butter for sale in Wisconsin must bear either a Wisconsin or federal grade mark. This effectively excludes Kerrygold butter being sold in Wisconsin, because it’s graded, produced and packaged in Ireland, Ornua recently told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Keeping in close contact

Replying to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil spokesperson Charlie McConalogue, Minister Creed said he is aware of the issue and that officials in his Department, including at the Agricultural Attaché at the Irish Embassy in Washington, have kept in close contact with the company concerned to try and facilitate a solution.

“I understand that a solution to the problem is now close to finalisation,” he said. “Once the technical steps are complete it should see the resumption of the sale of the product concerned again.”

Meanwhile, an online petition has been launched to repeal the law, addressed to governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker. It has received over 400 signatures so far. The petition describes the laws as “outdated” and calls for the legislation to be repealed.

Kerrygold is the only imported/speciality butter in the top 10 butter brands sold in the US. It is freely sold in the other 49 states of the USA.

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