The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the termination of the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order. The termination of the order ends the research and promotion program that was established in 2014 to expand the market for paper and paper-based packaging. The Paper and Packaging Board administered the program with oversight from USDA.
The termination follows the referendum conducted July 14-25, 2025, in which eligible domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging did not support continuing the program.
On Aug. 6, 2025, USDA announced the referendum had failed. A final rule was published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2026, terminating the program with an effective date of March 9, 2026.
More information about the program is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Paper and Packaging Board webpage. Information about research and promotion programs is available on AMS’ Research and Promotion Programs webpage or by contacting the Market Development Division at (202) 720-8085.
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 21 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.
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