Limits Lobbying and Adds Rules for Farm Boards
HR3516-119 · Introduced May 20, 2025
Why it matters
Farmers who pay checkoff fees could see their money kept away from groups that lobby on farm policy. Boards would also face stricter rules on spending and public reports.
What it does
- Bars checkoff boards with over $20 million in yearly fees from funding groups that lobby on farm policy
- Bans boards from conflicts of interest, unfair or deceptive acts, and disparaging other farm products
- Requires boards to publish their budgets and how they spend money
- Requires the USDA inspector general and the GAO to audit checkoff programs
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
- Senatenot yet
- Presidentnot yet
About this bill
Would bar large farm checkoff boards from contracts with groups that lobby on agriculture policy, and require budget reports and audits.
Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2025
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Some farmer groups would likely say checkoff money should promote farm products, not fund lobbying. Clearer budgets and audits would help farmers see how their fees are spent.
💬 The case against
Some checkoff boards would likely say the lobbying ban limits useful partnerships. They may also say the new audits and reports add cost and paperwork.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
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