Idaho Administrative Code Title IDAPA 51 - Beef Council, Idaho

Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA) Title 51

Beef Council, Idaho

Overview:

Title 51 governs the Idaho Beef Council, an organization established to promote the interests of beef producers in Idaho. The Council’s rules regulate how it operates, collects assessments (checkoff fees), manages funds, and carries out marketing and research programs aimed at enhancing the beef industry.

Key Provisions:

1. Legal Authority and Purpose

The Idaho Beef Council is authorized under state law to represent beef producers.

Its purpose is to promote beef consumption, conduct research, and provide education to improve the industry’s economic viability.

The Council supports marketing programs that increase demand for Idaho beef locally and nationally.

2. Council Structure

The Council is composed of members appointed by the Idaho Department of Agriculture or elected by beef producers.

Members typically include beef producers representing different regions of the state.

The Council operates under bylaws defining roles, meeting schedules, and decision-making processes.

3. Assessments (Checkoff Program)

A mandatory assessment (commonly called a "checkoff") is collected on the sale of beef and beef products in Idaho.

The assessment is a small fee per head of cattle sold or per weight of beef sold.

Funds collected are pooled to finance Council activities such as marketing campaigns and research projects.

4. Use of Funds

The Council uses the funds for:

Advertising and promotion of beef products.

Supporting research on beef production, quality, and health benefits.

Educational programs for producers and consumers.

Trade shows and outreach to expand markets.

Administrative costs related to running the Council are also funded by these assessments.

5. Reporting and Accountability

The Council must maintain accurate financial records and submit periodic reports.

Audits may be conducted to ensure funds are properly used.

Transparency with producers is required, including public meetings and disclosures.

6. Producer Rights and Appeals

Beef producers have the right to:

Receive information about the assessment program.

Participate in Council elections and meetings.

Appeal decisions or seek hearings on disputes related to assessments or Council governance.

7. Contracts and Agreements

The Council may enter into contracts with marketing firms, research institutions, and other entities to carry out its mission.

Agreements must align with Council objectives and state regulations.

Summary Table:

ComponentDescription
AuthorityIdaho state law authorizing Idaho Beef Council
PurposePromote beef consumption, research, and education
Council CompositionMembers appointed/elected from Idaho beef producers
AssessmentsMandatory fees collected per head or weight of beef sold
Use of FundsMarketing, research, education, administration
ReportingFinancial records, audits, public transparency
Producer RightsInformation access, participation, appeals
ContractsAgreements for marketing, research, outreach

Importance:

This administrative code provides the legal and operational framework for supporting Idaho’s beef industry, ensuring that producers collectively fund and benefit from efforts to grow demand and improve product quality.

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