USDA Sets Dates for Paper and Packaging Board Continuance Referendum

June 9, 2025 (AF&PA) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will conduct a referendum (July 14-25) for eligible domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging to decide whether to continue their research and promotion program.

The USDA also announced a moratorium on the Paper and Packaging Board's collection of assessments from domestic manufacturers and importers under the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order, effective immediately. The moratorium will remain in place throughout the referendum process.

Dive Deeper: Those eligible to vote in the referendum include:

• Current domestic manufacturers who have domestically manufactured 100,000 short tons or more of paper and paper-based packaging,
• Persons who are currently importers and have imported 100,000 short tons or more of paper and paper-based packaging, during the representative period Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.

What's Next: The referendum will be conducted by express mail and electronic ballot. All known eligible domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging will receive ballots and instructions before the voting period. Any eligible domestic manufacturer or importer who does not receive a ballot by July 18, 2025, should contact referendum agent George Webster, Marketing Specialist, at (202) 365-4172 or at (202) 720-8085, or by email at George.Webster@usda.gov.

Completed ballots must be delivered to USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) via express mail or electronic means no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on July 25, 2025.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative - Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.

SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)