LITTLE ROCK, AR- On behalf of Arkansas cattlemen, U.S. Senator Mark Pryor today urged the USDA to allow the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group to complete its plan on how to best allocate research, promotion, education and marketing funds before USDA establishes a supplemental program through executive order.

Senator Pryor’s letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack is below:

The Honorable Tom Vilsack
Secretary

U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, Southwest
Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I write today in regards of the recent announcement of your intention to write a new Beef Checkoff under the 1996 Generic Act. In 1985, the beef sector agreed upon a checkoff which has worked for the industry to promote the product with great success. In fact, the current Beef Checkoff has an 80% approval rating from current beef producers.

I have been contacted by producers in Arkansas with concerns about the potential negative impacts from creating a second Beef Checkoff. It is my understanding that the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group is still moving forward on enhancements to the existing 1985 Beef Checkoff.

While this group of grassroots organizations has been working for some time, changes of this magnitude should be given their due course in order to give all producers the ability to make their voice heard. On behalf of Arkansas beef producers, I ask that you consider allowing the industry working group to finish their work with making enhancements to the existing Beef Checkoff before writing a new order under the 1996 Generic Act. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor

Chairman Agriculture Appropriations Committee