U.S. Court Rules Pork Checkoff Unconstitutional
WASHINGTON - The U.S. District Court in Michigan has ruled as unconstitutional a national pork promotional program, famous for its TV ads with the catch-phrase "The Other White Meat", the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Monday.
Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman responded in a statement saying she was disappointed in the ruling.
The pork checkoff program requires U.S. farmers to pay 45 cents for every $100 of hog sales into a fund administered by the National Pork Board. Critics say the program is an unfair tax that funds activities that favor large, corporate producers.
"We are consulting with the U.S. Department of Justice to determine the next steps regarding this matter," Veneman said.
Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman responded in a statement saying she was disappointed in the ruling.
The pork checkoff program requires U.S. farmers to pay 45 cents for every $100 of hog sales into a fund administered by the National Pork Board. Critics say the program is an unfair tax that funds activities that favor large, corporate producers.
"We are consulting with the U.S. Department of Justice to determine the next steps regarding this matter," Veneman said.
