Language exempting checkoff programs from federal public records law has been added to the pending fiscal year 2017 Ag Appropriations Bill. Several farm groups including NPPC and NCBA say the provision will ensure producer resources are focused on research and promotion activities. NPPC CEO Neil Dierks says FOIA has been misused by activist groups like HSUS to put out damaging information.
He says while his groups doesn’t fall under the Freedom of Information Act, they still support this provision.
Dierks says there have also been cases where FOIA has been misused by one company against another to gain a marketing advantage.
The 2017 Ag Appropriations Bill still needs to get full approval from the House. The Senate is expected to consider appropriation bills starting next week.
