The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking three nominees for the Christmas Tree Promotion Board. Seats open for nominees are two western region producers and one eastern region producer. USDA will appoint members to serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2022.
The board conducts an industry election to choose nominees to be considered for appointment by USDA. For applications, contact Christmas Tree Promotion Board Executive Director Marsha Gray at (800) 985-0773 or marsha@christmastreepromotionboard.org. You may also contact USDA Marketing Specialist Sue Coleman at (202) 378-2569 or Sue.Coleman@usda.gov.
The Christmas Tree Promotion Board is industry-funded and supports the national research, marketing and promotion of Christmas trees. The board is composed of 12 members including 11 producers from the western, central and eastern regions of the United States and one importer member. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Christmas Tree Promotion Board webpage and on the board’s website, christmastreepromotionboard.org.
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.
Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight to 22 boards. The oversight ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity and is paid for by industry assessments.
