The American Soybean Association, along with other major ag associations, have submitted (April 24, 2023) comments to lawmakers opposing the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act while supporting the numerous benefits checkoffs provide to farmers. The OFF Act was reintroduced in February by a bipartisan group of legislators from both chambers. The bill seeks, among other things, to prohibit checkoffs—also referred to as research and promotion programs—from contracting with an organization that engages in lobbying, conflicts of interest, or anticompetitive activities that harm other commodities.
In a letter to leaders of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the groups maintain the OFF Act, “would set producers back decades in the work which has been done to promote our commodities and improve the businesses and livelihoods of our members. Checkoff programs have made significant, measurable strides raising the level of demand for each of our respective products. Without these programs, demand and education outreach efforts would be adversely impacted to an immense degree.”
ASA opposes the OFF Act and has been working with leadership in both the House and Senate to educate lawmakers and congressional staff on the countless benefits checkoff programs bring to farmers. Soybean checkoff programs allow soybean farmers to invest in programs that enhance markets and the overall value of soybeans. Producer checkoff programs are a valuable tool in building new demand and educating on issues that threaten the future of farming. For every dollar farmers invest in the soy checkoff, they receive a $12.34 return on investment through the results of the United Soybean Board’s promotion, research and education.
Read the letter here.
Read More: Coalition of ag groups want Congress’ hands OFF of checkoff funds