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USDA Oversight of Beef Checkoff Program Agricultural Marketing Service Research and Promotion Programs Beef Checkoff Program Purpose Strengthen the position of beef and beef products in the marketplace Maintain and expand existing uses Develop new markets and new uses Agricultural Marketing Service The Act, Order and Regulations Beef Promotion and Research Act • Producer initiated • Passed by Congress in 1985 • Gives legal authority • Changes require Congressional Action Agricultural Marketing Service The Act, Order and Regulations Beef Promotion and Research Order • Required by the Act • Basic framework of program • Contains provisions required by the Act and permissive provisions • Board recommends changes • USDA amends via rulemaking • May require referendum Agricultural Marketing Service The Act, Order and Regulations The Regulations • Rules of the program (collection and remittance procedures, etc.) • Board recommends changes • USDA amends via rulemaking • No referendum required Agricultural Marketing Service USDA’s Oversight Role • Develop and implement federal regulations. • Review and approve all program audits, budgets, contracts, advertisements, producer communications, and projects as well as any amendments. • Ads must follow USDA, FDA, and FTC guidelines. Agricultural Marketing Service USDA’s Oversight Role • All information must be factual and based on defendable and supporting documentation. • USDA policy prohibits disparaging or making false claims against other commodities. • Ensures programs comply with the Act and Order. Agricultural Marketing Service USDA’s Oversight Role • Respond to inquiries from Congress, other government agencies, industry representatives and other interested parties. • Represent Board before other government agencies (FDA, FTC, FAS, FSA, etc.). • Coordinate Freedom of Information Act, litigation, and other responses. • Coordinate referendum and polls with appropriate USDA agencies (FSA). Agricultural Marketing Service USDA’s Oversight Role Initiate board member nomination and appointment process Initiate background checks and submits nominees to Secretary for appointment Secretary appoints Board Agricultural Marketing Service USDA’s Oversight Role Attend all official Board meetings Assist the Board with compliance activities Provide legal counsel for all checkoff related issues. Agricultural Marketing Service Board Member Responsibilities Select officers and design committee structure Administer provisions of Act, Order, and regulations Develop and implement plans, projects, budgets, contracts, bylaws, and board policies. Recommend approval of plans, projects, and budgets to the Secretary of Agriculture. Agricultural Marketing Service Board Member Responsibilities Align programs and funding in accordance with the Board’s strategic plan Receive and investigate complaints of violations Recommend program changes to the Secretary Agricultural Marketing Service Board Member Responsibilities Ensure funds collected under the program are only used for activities authorized under the Act and Order Ensure funds are not used to influence government policy or action-- NO LOBBYING with checkoff dollars Agricultural Marketing Service Board Member Responsibilities Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and a representative of USDA Take your responsibilities seriously and perform them to the best of your ability Make decisions based on what will have a positive impact on the entire industry Agricultural Marketing Service Board Member Responsibilities Decisions must not be based on personal interest, special interest of other organizations; State or regional interest of committees that you represent Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and do not vote on such matters Create industry unity by communicating and supporting Board programs and projects to QSBC’s Agricultural Marketing Service Remember Be knowledgeable about the Act, Order, and Regs. Be knowledgeable about Board policies, bylaws, plans, projects and budgets It is vital that everyone works together to do what’s best for the entire beef industry! Agricultural Marketing Service