Checkoff Corruption: It’s What’s for Dinner
The checkoff has evolved into a behind-the-scenes machine that extracts money from farmers and funnels it to corporate lobbyists — who work tirelessly to consolidate power over our food system.
The checkoff has evolved into a behind-the-scenes machine that extracts money from farmers and funnels it to corporate lobbyists — who work tirelessly to consolidate power over our food system.
Staggering costs for Americans at the grocery store are due to “the market concentration that allows for price gouging,” says Farm Action’s Joe Maxwell.
Checkoffs extract farmers’ money and funnel it “into the hands of trade and lobbying groups that work against fair competition and market transparency,” said Farm Action’s Angela Huffman.
Farm Action’s recommendations would begin to transform our food system into one that pays farmers a fair price for delivering nutritious, affordable food.
Decades of farm bill programs have driven family farmers out of business and enabled a few giant corporations to dominate our food system, explains Farm Action’s Joe Maxwell.
The U.S. is bullying Mexico into accepting our GM corn on behalf of Big Ag monopolies, paralleling the circumstances that led to American independence.
The USDA’s proposed “Product of U.S.A.” label rule would help “stop the cheaters picking the pockets of America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Farm Action’s Joe Maxwell.
Farm Action and other advocacy groups applaud a new USDA report addressing consolidation in the seed industry, which traps farmers, limits consumers, and stifles innovation.
Following a five year fight, Farm Action and American Grassfed Association applaud USDA’s announced rule limiting the use of the “Product of U.S.A.” label.
Crop insurance is a major driver of consolidation in our food system. It leads to fewer, larger farms that degrade the land and hollow out rural communities.