An examination of farm commodity promotion programs

Representatives of a number of commodity groups have asked Congress in recent years for statutory authority to establish national generic promotion programs for their products. A key feature is a mandatory assessment paid by all producers to support such activities. Federal legislation has authorized nine such national promotion programs, and lawmakers now are considering whether to create new initiatives for beef, pork, and watermelons. nCritics believe that such programs represent unwarranted Government interference, pit one commodity group against another for limited consumer dollars, and lack adequate evidence of success. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that the programs do work, cost the Federal Government virtually nothing, and benefit producers and consumers alike. This report discusses programs that have already been enacted by Congress and examines their records to date.,Introduction -- Background -- Congressional Involvement -- Notes on Individual Boards. Cotton ; Potatoes ; Eggs ; Beef ; Wheat ; Floraboard ; Dairy ; Honey -- Proposed Legislation. Beef ; Pork ; Watermelons -- How Effective are the Programs?. Study Trends and Research Needs ; Refund Rates ; Consumption and Exports ; Other Policy Concerns -- Are Promotion Programs Worth Promoting?. AMS Guidelines.,Geoffrey S. Becker, Analyst, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division.,CRS 85-995 ENR,"March 22, 1984.","Revised September 30, 1985.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3