#checkoff programs

Industry Groups Working Towards Establishing Hemp Checkoff

The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) and The Hemp Industries Association (HIA) are looking into establishing a hemp checkoff program. A survey conducted by the two groups shows there is industry support behind developing a checkoff. During an online media event, NIHC Board Chairman Patrick Atagi said they were pleased with the results of the survey. “The hemp industry really needs a…

NCBA Calls R-CALF Effort an Attack on Beef Checkoff

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) alleges that R-CALF is attacking the beef checkoff.

Last week, R-CALF asked for an injunction against collection of checkoff funds be expanded to 13 more states. The injunction currently only applies to Montana.

In a statement, R-CALF says it’s members in other states “object to being required to turn over their hard-earned money to fund private…

USDA Backs Off on Organic Checkoff Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would not be pursuing an organic checkoff program which would have funded research and marketing for organic produce.  The decision to terminate the proceeding was “based on uncertain industry support for and unresolved issues with the proposed program.”

The measure was backed by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), which would have…

At the request of House Minority Leader and California Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the Government Accountability Office prepared a report regarding the Agricultural Marketing Service and its oversight of national checkoff programs. The Hagstrom Report says the AMS should increase its oversight of the 22 national checkoff programs that producers pay fees to for industry research and promotion to expand…

Groups Want Checkoff Reform

Over 80 organizations recently sent letters to both the Senate and House of Representatives, calling on lawmakers to fix the government’s “failed commodity tax support programs.” The 80 organizations represent over 250,000 farmers, ranchers, and businesses that want recently introduced legislation passed by both chambers and signed into law. The letters say the legislation would bring much-needed…

Farmers, Trade Association Debate Merits Of Organic Marketing Fund

by Luke Runyon

Produce is often accompanied by signs like this one at a King Soopers grocery store in Fort Collins, Colo. But customers are often confused by their meaning, which is one reason the Organic Trade Association is trying to raise money for a “checkoff” to pay for consumer advertising and research. Luke Runyon/Harvest Public Media/KUNC

Pesticide-free? Nurtured with organic fertilizer?…

Farmers, Trade Association Debate Merits Of Organic Marketing Fund

by Luke Runyon

Produce is often accompanied by signs like this one at a King Soopers grocery store in Fort Collins, Colo. But customers are often confused by their meaning, which is one reason the Organic Trade Association is trying to raise money for a “checkoff” to pay for consumer advertising and research. Luke Runyon/Harvest Public Media/KUNC

Pesticide-free? Nurtured with organic fertilizer?…