Attention Assessment Payers
The American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) is now receiving assessments. Assessments are due the 10th of the month following the end of the previous month. The First Handler/Importer Report Form must be submitted with assessments. Forms and instructions are available below. All information obtained from books, records or reports, per §1223.62 of the Order, shall be kept confidential by all persons.
Upcoming Meeting - If you would like to be notified of the next American Pecan Promotion Board meeting, please contact Anne Warden at awarden@eatpecans.com or (817) 985-3034.
The pecan R&P program operates as the American Pecan Promotion Board. The purpose of the program is to strengthen the position of pecans in the marketplace, maintain and expand markets for pecans, and develop new uses for pecans. The program is financed by an assessment on domestic producers and importers of pecans. The initial assessment rate is $0.02 per pound on inshell pecans and $0.04 per pound on shelled pecans. Handlers will collect assessments from producers based on pounds of pecans received and importers will pay assessments on pecans when they enter the United States.
Entities that produce or import less than 50,000 pounds of inshell pecans, 25,000 pounds of shelled pecans, or a combination of the two, on average for four fiscal periods will be exempt from paying assessments. If combining shelled and inshell, pounds must be converted to either inshell or shelled and cannot exceed the threshold.
The board’s assessments are used for promotion, research and industry information projects to help increase the demand for pecans. The board reimburses the Federal government for the cost of implementing and administering the program.
In 2021, AMS issued the Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order, which created the program under the authority of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (pdf). View the American Pecan Research, Promotion and Information Order Federal Register History.
Forms and Instructions - Contact the APPB for updated forms and access to the assessment portal at (817) 985-3034 or forms@eatpecans.com.
Questions and Answers
- Questions and Answers - Confidentiality
- Questions and Answers about the American Pecan Promotion Board (pdf)
- Webinar: How to Pay Your Assessments or Request an Exemption with the APPB
Board Documents
For Board information please visit the Pecan Board website or call (817) 985-3034.
Organizational Structure
The Board is composed on 17 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Of the 17, 10 are producers and 7 are importers. The 10 domestic seats are allocated between three regions within the United States: Western Region (4 seats), Central Region (3 seats), and Eastern Region (3 seats). View the Member Roster
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