Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not pursue efforts to create another beef checkoff under the 1996 commodity promotion law.
Report language in the 2014 appropriations bill passed last weekend suggested USDA not continue to write a rule for the plan during this fiscal year. Although report language is not binding on the secretary, it does indicate Congress’ desires.
The Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group, of which American Farm Bureau Federation is a member, met again last week and will have its 17th face-to-face meeting in February. The group continues to develop a principles document on how to alter the 1985 checkoff law and order.