Agricultural Marketing Service USDA Oversight of Beef Checkoff Program Agricultural Marketing Service

Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA Oversight of Beef Checkoff Program


Research and Promotion Programs


Beef Checkoff Program

PurposeStrengthen the position of beef and

beef products in the marketplace

Maintain and expand existing uses

Develop new markets and new uses


The Act, Order and Regulations

Beef Promotion and Research Act

• Producer initiated• Passed by Congress in 1985• Gives legal authority• Changes require Congressional Action



Beef Promotion and Research Order• Required by the Act• Basic framework of program• Contains provisions required by the Act and

permissive provisions• Board recommends changes• USDA amends via rulemaking• May require referendum



The Regulations

• Rules of the program (collection and remittance procedures, etc.)

• Board recommends changes• USDA amends via rulemaking• No referendum required


• Develop and implement federal regulations.

• Review and approve all program audits, budgets, contracts, advertisements, producer communications, and projects as well as any amendments.

• Ads must follow USDA, FDA, and FTC guidelines.

USDA’s Oversight Role



• All information must be factual and based on defendable and supporting documentation.

• USDA policy prohibits disparaging or making false claims against other commodities.

• Ensures programs comply with the Act and Order.


USDA’s Oversight Role• Respond to inquiries from Congress, other government

agencies, industry representatives and other interested parties.

• Represent Board before other government agencies (FDA, FTC, FAS, FSA, etc.).

• Coordinate Freedom of Information Act, litigation, and other responses.

• Coordinate referendum and polls with appropriate USDA agencies (FSA).


Initiate board member nomination and appointment process

Initiate background checks and submits nominees to Secretary for appointment

Secretary appoints Board




Attend all official Board meetings

Assist the Board with compliance activities

Provide legal counsel for all checkoff related issues.


Board Member Responsibilities

Select officers and design committee structure

Administer provisions of Act, Order, and regulations

Develop and implement plans, projects, budgets, contracts, bylaws, and board policies.

Recommend approval of plans, projects, and budgets to the Secretary of Agriculture.



Align programs and funding in accordance with the Board’s strategic plan

Receive and investigate complaints of violations

Recommend program changes to the Secretary


Ensure funds collected under the program are only used for activities authorized under the Act and Order

Ensure funds are not used to influence government policy or action-- NO LOBBYING with checkoff dollars




Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and a representative of USDA

Take your responsibilities seriously and perform them to the best of your ability

Make decisions based on what will have a positive impact on the entire industry



Decisions must not be based on personal interest, special interest of other organizations; State or regional interest of committees that you represent

Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and do not vote on such matters

Create industry unity by communicating and supporting Board programs and projects to QSBC’s


Remember

Be knowledgeable about the Act, Order, and Regs.

Be knowledgeable about Board policies, bylaws,plans, projects and budgets

It is vital that everyone works together to do what’s best for the entire beef industry!

Documents

Agricultural Marketing Service USDA Oversight of Beef Checkoff Program Agricultural Marketing Service