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Groups call for commodity checkoff reform
A letter calling for reform of commodity checkoff programs and signed by more than 80 organizations has been sent to Congress.
The list of groups signing the letter includes various farm, environmental and activist organizations. The National Farmers Union, Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) and R-CALF USA are leading the effort.
The letter expresses support for legislation that the groups say would “bring much needed transparency and accountability” to checkoff programs. They say the USDA has been lax in its oversight of checkoff programs, which has resulted in “collusive and illegal relationships between checkoff boards and lobbying organizations”.
The bill is called the “Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act”. The groups say it would ensure no farmer or rancher is forced to pay fees into programs that do not promote their market segment.
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