Commodity research and promotion programs, also known as checkoff programs, are established under Federal law at the request of their industries. Checkoff programs derive funding through industry assessments (fees), and use these funds to increase the success of the businesses and farmers within their industry. These programs allow farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders to pool their funds and develop a coordinated program of research, promotion, and consumer information to improve, maintain, and develop markets for their products. They also yield many additional benefits for public health and nutrition, local and global economies, and humanitarian efforts.