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Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:55 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1249
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a mediation program to help resolve disputes between farmers and packers. This program would provide a neutral third party to help facilitate negotiations and reach a fair resolution for both parties.
Additionally, the bill aims to increase transparency in the pricing and contracting practices of packers and processors. This would help ensure that farmers are receiving fair prices for their products and are not being taken advantage of by larger corporations. Another important aspect of the bill is the creation of a whistleblower protection program for farmers who report violations of agricultural laws or regulations. This would help encourage farmers to come forward with information about unfair practices without fear of retaliation. Overall, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023 seeks to level the playing field for farmers and promote fairness and transparency in the agricultural industry. It is currently being debated in Congress and may undergo changes before being voted on.
Congressional Summary of HR 1249
Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023
This bill establishes restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands.
The bill prohibits boards established to carry out a checkoff program or a USDA order issued under a checkoff program from entering into a contract or agreement to carry out program activities with a party that engages in activities to influence any government policy or action that relates to agriculture.
A board or its employees or agents acting in their official capacity may not engage in any
- act that may involve a conflict of interest;
- anticompetitive activity;
- unfair or deceptive act or practice; or
- act that may be disparaging to, or in any way negatively portray, another agricultural commodity or product.
Upon approval of USDA, a board may enter directly into contracts and agreements to carry out generic promotion, research, or other activities authorized by law if the agreement or contract requires records accounting for the funds received to be submitted to the board.
The board must meet specified requirements regarding the publication of budgets and disbursements of funds.
The USDA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office must conduct specified audits regarding checkoff programs.
