This is why NFU opposes expanding the beef checkoff tax; 9-16-2014 NFU Beef Checkoff Withdrawal reasons- • The lion’s share of checkoff dollars – between 90 to 99 percent – go directly to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). NCBA has become a mouthpiece for the meat packing industry and is frequently opposed to issues important to family farmers and ranchers. The beef industry desperately needs a separation wall between the policy organization and the promotion organization. • While most cattlemen support Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), NCBA sued USDA to stop the implementation of the rule, costing taxpayers and NFU dearly. NBCA also opposed the Farm Bill, which was supported by nearly every farm group in the nation. • NCBA opposed Livestock Disaster Assistance and GIPSA. NCBA supports the proliferation of larger feedlots, more vertical integration and increased industry concentration, all of which slowly squeeze family farmers and ranchers out of business. • After three years of pushing for reforms in the beef check-off program, NFU decided that the process had become a bridge to nowhere. Sadly, it became clear that there is no willingness from the key player within the group – NCBA – to allow real reforms to take place. NFU remains willing and eager to engage with others who are interested in reforming the beef checkoff, such that it operates in a manner like other checkoff programs. • USDA needs to reform the checkoff system from the top down. The new system should allow the CBB to operate on its own; the CBB must have the autonomy to enter checkoff contracts with various agencies on its own; the beef checkoff must be completely refundable; a referendum on the continuation of the checkoff should be held every five years. • NFU recommends that USDA consider rewriting the beef checkoff program under the 1996 generic research and promotion act. • In the late 1990s, the pork industry’s policy organization was completely separated from its checkoff income stream and that has benefitted pork producers and the industry as a whole.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:42:09 +0000
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