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 here
and 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.
