The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging are not in favor of continuing the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order.
For the program to continue, it must be favored by a majority of domestic manufacturers and importers voting in the referendum, who also represent a majority of the volume of paper and paper-based packaging represented in the referendum. In the referendum, conducted July 14-25, 2025, 26.47% of eligible domestic manufacturers and importers, representing 9.61% of the volume represented in the referendum, voted in favor of continuing the order. The results showed domestic manufacturers and importers were not in favor of continuance of the order.
On June 3, 2025, USDA announced the dates for the paper and packaging referendum and a moratorium on the collection of assessments under the Order. The moratorium on collection of assessments will remain in place, and USDA will work with Paper and Packaging Board staff on the next steps to terminate the program.
Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.
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