The USDA should reject the checkoff program proposed by the organic industry, says a coalition of opponents, who contend the checkoff would fail to expand U.S. production despite seemingly insatiable consumer demand. Producer-funded checkoffs are a common way to raise money for research and promotion work but the organic checkoff would be the first based on a mode of production rather than a product, such as cotton, milk or beef.
The Organic Trade Association, which petitioned the USDA for the checkoff, says it would generate $30 million a year to help the industry grow. During a conference last month, OTA leaders said they hoped a referendum would be held later this year on the proposal. The No Organic Checkoff Coalition said in a letter to USDA that the proposal should be scrapped. The group pointed in particular to scant U.S. production of organic corn and soybeans in arguing that the checkoff would result in increased imports rather than expanded domestic production.
In addition, the group said the checkoff would lead to squabbling within the industry over a pool of money that would be inadequate to help the dozens of organic commodities that are being produced.