Page 19 - November 2020 WCA Ketch Pen

This means that a program must have recognized value in order to earn the consensus needed to be successfully funded. By formulating a committee that reflects
both national and state priorities, the Beef Checkoff is better equipped to spend dollars more effectively and efficiently.
In Washington, funding decisions are made by the Beef Commission Board of Directors. The Beef Commission is comprised of two cow/calf producers, two feeders, two dairy producers, one auction market representative, one packer, and Washington’s Department of Agriculture. All Commissioners are nominated by their industry sector and appointed by the Director of Agriculture. The Beef Commission also includes our CBB representative as an ex-officio member. The Beef Commission’s annual budget
and marketing plan is approved by the Director of Agriculture and the CBB/USDA each year. Annual financial audits are completed and provided to CBB/ USDA and state legislature.
Does the CBB support governmental or regulatory policy issues?
According to the Beef Promotion and Research Act and state law, Checkoff funds cannot be used to influence government policy or action, including lobbying.
Is anyone exempt from paying the Checkoff dollar?
Producers of 100 percent USDA-certified organic products are exempt from most commodity checkoffs, based on separate legislation, but they must meet strict requirements and reapply for certification on an annual basis.
According to the Beef Promotion and Research Act, no other producer is exempt from the Beef Checkoff. Buyers who resell cattle no more than 10 days from the date of purchase may file a non-producer status form and avoid paying an additional dollar. They are, however, responsible for remitting collected funds and reporting any transactions to the Qualified State Beef Council.
For more information about your Beef Checkoff investment, call us at 206.444.2902 or e-mail me
at pbrumbach@wabeef.org. Visit wabeef.org or beefitswhatsfordinner.com to learn more about other Checkoff-funded programs. Follow this and all our activities targeting millennial consumers on social media at Facebook.com/WABeef, Twitter@wabeef, YouTube@WABeef, Instagram@WABeefLove or Pinterest@wabeef.
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Ketch Pen www.washingtoncattlemen.org
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November 2020