WASHINGTON – Meat industry trade associations are opposed to a proposed amendment by an Indiana congresswoman that would block federal funds from being used in commodity checkoff programs.

Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) introduced the amendment for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024. 

Several meat industry trade associations opposed the modification in a joint statement, which included the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

“Rep. Spartz’s amendment targets programs like the Beef Checkoff and is a direct attack on America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Tim Schwab, NCBA policy division vice chair and Indiana cattle producer. “The Beef Checkoff conducts critical nutrition and food safety research, strengthens consumer demand for beef, and helps farms and ranches stay in business. I hope Rep. Spartz withdraws her amendment and sides with Indiana agriculture over animal rights activists.”

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) also released a response in the joint statement regarding the so-called Spartz amendment. 

“Pork producers overwhelmingly support their checkoff and understand the immense value it brings to pig farmers across the country,” said Bryan Humphreys, chief executive officer of the NPPC. “The checkoff provides critical research and market promotion that are critical to producers’ success and livelihood.”

Other groups opposed to the amendment that signed onto the statement include the American Soybean Association (ASA), the National Milk Producers Federation and the Indiana Beef Cattle Association (IBCA).

Spartz responded to calls to pull back her amendment with a statement on Twitter.

The groups said the associations that represent farmers account for $5.45 billion in Indiana’s agricultural products.