Bill > S1848

This bill aims to reform agricultural commodity promotion programs, commonly known as "checkoff programs," by introducing stricter transparency and ethical guidelines. These programs, which are funded by assessments on agricultural producers to promote specific commodities like beef, cotton, and eggs, have historically been criticized for potentially misusing funds for lobbying and benefiting certain producers at the expense of others. The bill prohibits checkoff program boards from entering into contracts with entities that engage in policy influencing activities for programs with annual revenues over $20 million, mandates strict conflict of interest prohibitions, and bans anticompetitive or disparaging activities. Additionally, the bill requires quarterly financial reporting, public disclosure of budgets and disbursements, and establishes mandatory audits by both the Department of Agriculture's Inspector General and the Comptroller General to ensure compliance. These audits will assess the programs' integrity and recommend potential improvements to federal legislation governing checkoff programs. The goal is to ensure that these programs remain focused on generic commodity promotion and research, rather than becoming tools for special interest lobbying or creating competitive disadvantages within the agricultural sector.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1848/all-info