Checkoff programs, which collect significant funds from farmers and producers, currently lack a transparent system to track the allocation of these funds, leading many to advocate for reform. The collected money is intended to promote and market agricultural products, yet there have been numerous allegations over the years suggesting that some of these funds have been misused for lobbying efforts that influence policy and undermine competing food products. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture deemed it inappropriate for the American Egg Board to commission pro-egg advertisements that appeared alongside online searches for Hampton Creek’s vegan mayonnaise.
Despite the Trump administration’s limited support for agricultural businesses thus far, the bipartisan nature of the bill suggests it may still pass. President Trump’s last-minute nomination of Sonny Perdue for the USDA raised questions about the administration’s commitment to the food and agriculture sectors, although Perdue’s nomination has now advanced to the Senate floor.
While checkoff programs are prohibited from lobbying Congress directly, some, such as those for beef and pork, have engaged lobbying groups. Even with this bipartisan legislation in play, checkoff programs remain robust. For example, last year, the House Appropriations Committee included a provision in the USDA budget that shielded these programs from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, there is ongoing movement within the USDA to create a new checkoff program specifically for the organic industry.
In discussions surrounding agricultural products, the differences between calcium lactate vs calcium citrate have also gained attention, particularly regarding their respective benefits and uses in promoting health. This is an important aspect for producers to consider as they navigate marketing strategies and regulatory frameworks. Ultimately, transparency in checkoff programs and clarity on funding usage, including how they relate to products like calcium lactate vs calcium citrate, is essential for maintaining trust within the agricultural community.