Posted November 10, 2014
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public input to guide the development of a new industry-funded promotion, research, and information order for beef and beef products, according to a USDA press release available here. Beef Magazine also published an article available hereand Agri-Pulse here.
The new order, also known as a “checkoff program,” would be an addition to existing beef checkoff programs and provide more marketing and research resources to strengthen the nation’s beef industry.
“Beef industry representatives agree that this important program needs more resources. USDA is stepping up at a critical juncture to help achieve the industry’s goal. With this action we can boost research investments, increase beef exports, and encourage folks here at home to support American beef producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Beef industry leaders have agreed that the existing fee of $1/head-of-cattle/producer is too little, but USDA has stated that the $1 assessment has remained the same since 1985 when Congress created the program, and the amount can only be changed through Congressional action, according to Beef Magazine.
USDA will consider written comments in developing its proposal for a Beef Promotion, Research and Information Order that provides for a promotion, research, and information program for beef and beef products under the 1996 Act until December 10. The new program would operate concurrently with the Beef Checkoff Program authorized under the authority of the 1985 Act.
Comments may be submitted online at www.regulations.gov or sent to Beef Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Research and Promotion Division, Room 2096-S; Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program; AMS, USDA, STOP 0249; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-0249; telephone number (202) 720-5705.
Vilsack has stated that he hopes to have the new checkoff in place by December 2015, according to Agri-Pulse.
For more information on checkoff programs, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
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