The popcorn R&P program operates as the Popcorn Board. The program's purpose is to maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets for popcorn and popcorn products. The Popcorn Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order authorizes The Popcorn Board to administer the program under AMS supervision. The Board collects assessments from processors of more than 4 million pounds of popcorn annually, regardless of the popcorn’s country of origin. The assessment rate is 6 cents per hundredweight. The rate may be lowered or raised but may not exceed 8 cents per hundredweight.
The funds collected are used for promotion, consumer information, and market and related research. The Board reimburses the Federal government for expenses incurred in administering the program. AMS is required to notify the House and Senate agriculture committees when the user fee reaches 10 percent of the Board’s annual projected revenues.
In July 1997, AMS issued the Popcorn Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order, which created the program under the authority of the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act (pdf). The Act limits USDA user fees to 15 percent of the Board's annual projected revenue. View Popcorn Research and Promotion Federal Register History.
Organizational Structure
The Board consists of five at-large processors who each process at least 4 million pounds of popcorn annually. The Board uses a management firm in Chicago, Illinois, to administer its program.
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.
Visit The Popcorn Board’s Web Site >
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