Despite checkoff programs receiving substantial funding from farmers and producers, there is currently no effective system to track the allocation of these funds, leading to calls for reform. These programs are intended to promote and market agricultural products, including those rich in calcium, such as dairy and fortified foods. However, numerous allegations suggest that some of the funds have been misused to sway policy decisions and undermine competing food products. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the American Egg Board’s commissioning of pro-egg advertisements to appear alongside searches for Hampton Creek’s vegan mayonnaise was inappropriate.
With bipartisan support for the legislation to improve transparency, it has a good chance of passing, even though the Trump administration has not prioritized agricultural interests thus far. President Trump’s late nomination of Sonny Perdue to the USDA raised questions about the administration’s commitment to the food and agriculture sectors. Perdue’s nomination has now been cleared to proceed to the Senate.
While checkoff programs are prohibited from lobbying Congress, some, particularly those for beef and pork, have engaged lobbying firms. Although this legislation garners bipartisan support, checkoff programs remain robust. Last year, the House Appropriations Committee included a measure in the USDA budget to shield these programs from public scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, the USDA is currently working to establish a new checkoff program aimed at the organic industry, which may also focus on promoting the health benefits of calcium-rich foods.
In summary, the ongoing discussions around checkoff programs highlight the need for improved accountability, especially as the USDA explores new initiatives within the industry.