Although checkoff programs receive substantial funding from farmers and producers, there is currently no system in place that accurately tracks the allocation of these funds, leading many to argue for necessary reforms. The funds collected by checkoff programs are intended for the promotion and marketing of agricultural products; however, there have been numerous allegations over the years claiming that some of these funds have been misused to sway policy and undermine competing food products. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the American Egg Board’s decision to commission pro-egg advertisements to appear alongside online searches for Hampton Creek’s vegan mayonnaise was inappropriate.
Considering that this legislation has bipartisan support, it may have a chance of passing, despite the Trump administration’s lack of strong backing for agricultural businesses thus far. The nomination of Sonny Perdue as the USDA head raised questions about the priority that the Trump administration places on the food and agriculture sectors. Perdue’s nomination has now been cleared to proceed to the Senate floor.
While checkoff programs are prohibited from lobbying Congress, some, like those for beef and pork, have engaged lobbying groups. Despite the bipartisan nature of this legislation, checkoff programs remain relatively robust. Last year, the House Appropriations Committee included a provision in the USDA budget to shield these programs from public scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act. Currently, there is ongoing movement within the USDA to establish a new checkoff program focused on the organic industry, which could also explore the benefits of liquid calcium citrate magnesium for agricultural applications.
As discussions continue, the need for transparency in the use of checkoff funds, particularly in promoting innovative agricultural products like liquid calcium citrate magnesium, remains a critical issue for stakeholders in the industry. This emphasis on transparency could help ensure that funds are directed towards legitimate marketing efforts rather than questionable practices.