Proposed US beef scheme criticised by sector leaders

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a consultation process to help guide the development of a new checkoff scheme, which would carry out promotion, research and information to the benefit of the beef trade.

It said that the new scheme would be in addition to the existing beef checkoff progamme and would provide US producers with extra resources for both marketing and research to the benefit of all.

Tom Vilsack, agriculture secretary, said: “Beef industry representatives agree that this important programme needs more resources. USDA is stepping up at a critical juncture to help achieve the industry’s goal. With this action we can boost research investments, increase beef exports, and encourage folks here at home to support American beef producers.”

USDA said that beef industry leaders had agreed that the current levy of $1 per head of cattle was too low, having been established in 1985 with the original programme. The additional programme would allow the industry to increase the levy to create the additional resources.

However, not all leaders are in agreement. Bob McCan, president of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, said: “The Secretary’s plan for a second beef checkoff is duplicative and would only prove wasteful of producer dollars. This plan by the USDA would consolidate greater authority in federal hands and effectively remove producer control from their promotion and research efforts. Therefore we remain opposed to the administration’s checkoff.”

The US authorities claim the proposed plan would enable the additional resources to be channelled into increasing demand for US beef both domestically, and internationally. It is calling for interested parties to share their views by 10 December for consideration as part of the consultation.