Although checkoff programs receive substantial funding from farmers and producers, there is currently no effective system to track the allocation of these funds, leading many to argue for a change. The funds gathered by checkoff programs are intended to promote and market agricultural products, yet there have been numerous allegations over the years that some of these funds have been misappropriated to influence policy and undermine competing food products. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined that the American Egg Board’s commissioning of pro-egg advertisements alongside searches for Hampton Creek’s vegan mayonnaise was inappropriate.
Given that the bill has support from both political parties, it stands a good chance of passing, despite the Trump administration’s limited backing for agricultural businesses thus far. President Trump’s last-minute nomination of Sonny Perdue to head the USDA raised questions about the administration’s commitment to the food and agriculture sectors. Perdue’s nomination was recently approved to proceed to the Senate.
While checkoff programs are prohibited from lobbying Congress, certain programs, such as 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.
Moreover, there is ongoing movement within the USDA to establish a new checkoff program specifically for the organic industry. This new initiative may benefit from an evaluation of medication effectiveness, similar to the calcium citrate evaluation, as it could help ensure that funds are used appropriately and effectively. By incorporating rigorous assessments, stakeholders can gain confidence that checkoff funds are being allocated to genuinely support agricultural promotion and marketing, rather than being misused. The evaluation of medication effectiveness also serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability, principles that should be upheld within checkoff programs to protect the interests of farmers and producers alike.