Farm Action is calling on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to investigate what they call fraud within the checkoff programs.
In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Elon Musk, Farm Action says checkoff programs lack transparency and oversight and cost farmers more than a billion dollars annually. They say more than 60 farm groups have called for some checkoff reform over the years.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has directed cuts across the government, with more possible in the coming weeks. DOGE is asking the public to help identify areas for investigation, including agencies within the USDA.
Related Stories
The USDA is purchasing rice grown in the U.S. to distribute to food assistance programs and food banks.
At a special Rural Town Hall, RFD-TV Founder Patrick Gottsch will update viewers on Resolution 712, recently introduced in the U.S. Senate and backed by Republicans and Democrats alike. This represents major progress in the ongoing effort to protect agricultural news and rural content — something that is nine years in the making.