The Christmas Tree R&P Program operates as the Christmas Tree Promotion Board (also known as the Real Christmas Tree Board). The purpose of the program is to expand the market and uses of fresh-cut Christmas trees. An assessment on producers and importers of fresh cut Christmas trees finances the program, which is administered by the Christmas Tree Promotion Board, under AMS oversight. The initial assessment rate is $0.15 per Christmas tree cut and sold domestically or imported into the United States. Entities that produce or import fewer than 500 Christmas trees annually are exempt.
The assessment rate can be increased or decreased no more than 2 cents per Christmas tree during the fiscal period. The assessment rate cannot exceed 20 cents per tree.
The Board’s assessments are used for promotion, research and industry information projects to help increase the demand for Christmas trees. The Board reimburses the Federal government for the cost of implementing and administering the program.
In November 2011, AMS issued the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order, which created the program under the authority of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (pdf). The effective date of the order, however, was delayed until April 8, 2014. View the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order Federal Register History.
Organizational Structure
The Board is composed of 12 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Of the 12, 11 are producers and one is an importer. The 11 domestic seats are allocated between three regions within the United States: Region #1 - Western Region (5 seats); the Region #2 - Central Region (2 seats); and Region #3 - Eastern Region (4 seats). The Board’s composition may change periodically to reflect geographic shifts in volume.
Visit the Christmas Tree Board website >
View the current list of board members.
AMS Policy on Board Diversity: AMS policy is that the diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of their industries in experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. When submitting nominations, the industry must consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.
Organic Assessment Exemption
R&P programs allow persons that produce, handle, market, process, manufacture, feed or import “organic” and “100 percent organic” products to be exempt from paying assessments regardless of whether they are a “split” operation.
Contacts
Director: Michelle Sharrow
Email: Michelle.Sharrow@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 720-8085
Deputy Director: Sue Coleman
Email: Sue.Coleman@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 378-2569
Branch Chief: Alexandra Caryl
Email: Alexandra.Caryl@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 720-8085