Lawsuit Unveils USDA’s Alleged Deception in Beef Industry Marketing as Environmental Concerns Rise
WASHINGTON — The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) and Earthjustice are taking legal action against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over its failure to respond to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request regarding the Beef Checkoff program. This federal initiative directs millions into the advertising efforts of the beef industry each year. ALDF submitted its request in January 2025, but the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), a USDA agency, did not comply within the mandated 20-business-day timeframe. The lawsuit seeks to obtain crucial information that would clarify the USDA’s involvement in promoting agricultural practices … Read more