OSSEO, Wisconsin (May 22, 2024) – Today, farmers and ranchers representing several of Wisconsin’s top agricultural commodities reiterated their support for commodity checkoff programs and their opposition to the deceptively titled “Opportunities for Fairness in Farming” or OFF Act.
Commodity checkoff programs are producer-led tools that pool contributions from farmers and ranchers and use that money—under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—to conduct research, consumer education, and promotion on behalf of producers. These efforts drive demand for agricultural products, which in turn provides greater profitability to farmers and ranchers.
“The Beef Checkoff promotes all beef, regardless of production method or size of operation. Recent studies have found that each $1 invested in the Beef Checkoff returns $11.91 in value to our industry. Wisconsin cattle producers know their investment pays great dividends,” said Brady Zuck, a Wisconsin cattle producer. “Unfortunately, animal rights activists posing as farm support groups are deceiving producers. Groups such as Farm Action and OCM, whose leaders are former operatives for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), are advocating for legislation that would damage the Beef Checkoff. Without the Beef Checkoff, who would we have promoting our beef products to consumers across the country? We strongly oppose the action of these groups, and do not support the OFF Act, which attacks commodity checkoff programs.”
“The National Potato Promotion Board, or ‘Potatoes USA,’ was created by potato growers in 1971. Its purpose is to promote and provide research on America’s favorite vegetable, potatoes,” said Mike Carter, CEO of Bushmans’, Inc., in Rosholt, Wisconsin. “Under the oversight of U.S. potato growers who are a majority of its board of directors, Potatoes USA has pursued these activities and generated a very positive return on growers’ investment. The organization works to ensure that U.S. potatoes remain the number one produce item sold in domestic retail stores; reach new foreign consumers by setting new U.S. potato export records; and expand the scientific evidence available to understand the nutritional profile of potatoes. All activities and operations of Potatoes USA are self-funded by potato growers and overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”
“Our investment in the soybean checkoff has paid big dividends in Wisconsin, from the use of biodiesel and other soy-based products by the city of Madison to new, innovative soy foam that allows our firefighters to combat fires without the unnecessary risks of PFAS,” said Prairie Farm soybean farmer Tanner Johnson. “The soy checkoff brings value to our neighbors, our communities and our farms.”
Background
Commodity checkoff programs are directed by producers who serve in volunteer board positions and determine how checkoff funds should be allocated. The OFF Act would interfere with this system by adding additional burdensome rules that prevent checkoffs from contracting with whatever organization they choose. All checkoff programs are subject to audit and oversight from USDA. For additional information on the structure of checkoff boards and their value to farmers and ranchers, please visit the website for USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
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