California Ag Network

Tag: AMS

  • Changes Proposed to National Organic Crops and Livestock List

    On March 23, 2026, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The National List is a section of the USDA organic regulations that identifies synthetic substances that are allowed, and natural substances that are prohibited, in organic production and handling.

    The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) prohibits synthetic substances in organic production unless they meet specified criteria, are recommended by the National Organic Standards Board and are added to the National List. This rule would implement several recommendations from the Board from their public meetings, held in October 2021, October 2022, and October 2024:

    • Allow carbon dioxide in organic crop production.
    • Allow meloxicam as a pain treatment in organic livestock.
    • Remove restrictions on the use of methionine in organic poultry feed.
    • Affirm that natural sodium nitrate is allowed in organic crop production, with certain conditions to protect soil quality.

    A complete description of the proposed amendments to the National List is available in the Federal Register proposed rule.

    More information on the National List, including how and why substances are added, modified, or removed, is available on the National List webpage.

    Submit an Effective Public Comment

    USDA welcomes comments on the proposed changes published in the
    Federal Register. The public comment period will close 60 days after publication.

    See NOP’s Organic Integrity Learning Center microlearning module
    Writing an Effective Public Comment to learn how to submit an effective public comment. This module helps members of the organic community more effectively participate in the process of developing organic standards. Effective commenting lets us hear your voice and helps USDA better balance the needs of everyone impacted in the organic market. — By the United States Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Announces New Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the appointment of Erin Morris as the next Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which operates under the Department’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area.

    “My fellow Fightin’ Texas Aggie Erin Morris brings a strong track record of leadership, technical knowledge, and dedication to the agricultural community,” said Secretary Rollins. “She has spent over 25 years advancing the work of AMS and has earned the trust of her peers and stakeholders across the industry. I’m confident that under her leadership, AMS will continue to deliver for farmers, ranchers, and American consumers. We are deeply grateful to Bruce Summers for his four decades of tireless service to American agriculture. His leadership has shaped AMS into a cornerstone of USDA’s mission, and his legacy will have a lasting impact on farmers, ranchers, and consumers for years to come.”

    Morris will succeed Bruce Summers, who is retiring at the end of this month following a 40-year career at USDA.

    AMS supports the fair, efficient, and transparent marketing of U.S. agricultural products across domestic and international markets. AMS delivers a wide range of services including quality grading, auditing, and laboratory testing that help producers demonstrate the value and integrity of their goods. The agency also operates the USDA Market News Service, providing objective pricing and market data to inform business decisions throughout the supply chain. AMS also enforces fair trade practices through oversight of the livestock, produce, and organic sectors, and administers the Packers and Stockyards Act and National Organic Program.

  • USDA Issues Final Rule Amending Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing

    On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced a final rule amending the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs). The final rule was made available for viewing on January 16, 2025, in the Federal Register and on AMS’s National Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing Formula Hearing webpage. It was published in the Federal Register January 17th.

    The final rule follows a 49-day national hearing held from August 23, 2023, to January 30, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana, where AMS heard testimony and received evidence on 21 proposals from the dairy industry. AMS issued a recommended decision on July 1, 2024, followed by its publication in the Federal Register on July 15, 2024, which began a 60-day public comment period.

    A total of 128 comments were received, analysis of which was included in a final decision that was issued on November 12, 2024, and published in the Federal Register on December 2, 2024.

    Following publication of the final decision, AMS administered and oversaw 11 referenda whereby producers whose milk was pooled on an FMMO in the selected representative month of January 2024 had the opportunity to vote in favor of or opposition to the FMMOs proposed to be amended.

    This final rule announces that producers in each of the 11 FMMOs approved the following pricing formula amendments:

    • Updating the skim milk composition factors to 3.3 percent true protein, 6.0 percent other solids and 9.3 percent nonfat solids, with a six-month delayed implementation.

    • Removing 500-pound barrel cheddar cheese prices from the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program survey.

    • Updating the Class III and Class IV manufacturing allowances to $0.2519 for cheese, $0.2272 for butter, $0.2393 for nonfat dry milk and $0.2668 for dry whey, all on a per pound basis, and the butterfat recovery factor to 91 percent.

    • Returning the base Class I skim milk price formula to the higher-of the advanced Class III or Class IV skim milk prices for the month. In addition, adoption of a Class I extended shelf life (ESL) adjustment for all ESL products equal to the average-of mover plus a 24-month rolling average adjuster with a 12-month lag.

    • Updating the Class I differential values to reflect the increased cost of servicing the Class I market.

    The rule will be effective June 1, 2025, for all changes, except for changes to the skim milk composition factors. The amendments to skim milk composition factors will be implemented December 1, 2025. These changes will apply to milk marketed on and after these dates, as applicable, and those changes will be reflected in both the advanced prices and pricing factors released before the start of the month and the class and component prices announced after the close of the month.

    Copies of the final rule, educational materials and the entire hearing record can be found on the hearing webpage or obtained from USDA/AMS/Dairy Program; STOP 0225 – Rm. 2530; 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0225. Questions can be submitted to fmmohearing@usda.gov.

  • Cindy Tews & Carlos Carillo to Represent CA on National Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board

    The USDA has announced the appointment of 36 members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Thirty-five members will serve three-year terms, and one member will serve a two-year term. The terms of the new appointees will begin February 2025.

    Newly appointed members are:

      • Arizona – Sine Kerr, Buckeye
      • Colorado – Angelina Kelleghan, Loma
      • Iowa – E. Michael Holden, Scranton; and Amy Glick, Solon
      • Kansas – Evan Lesser, Palco; and Larry Kendig, Osborne
      • Louisiana – John M. Thompson, Saint Francisville
      • Michigan – Monte J. Bordner, Sturgis
      • Minnesota – Bill Post, Chandler
      • Mississippi –Janet Gent Parker, Seminary
      • Missouri – Mark Anthony Fellwock, Monett
      • Nebraska – Becky R. Potmesil, Alliance; Joyce Racicky, Mason City; and Joan Ruskamp, Dodge (2-year term)
      • New Mexico – Boe C. Lopez, Springer
      • North Carolina – Brian D. Warren, Newton Grove
      • Oklahoma – Leanne Robison, Stillwater;
      • South Dakota – VeaBea Thomas, Harrold; and Oren L. Lesmeister, Parade
      • Tennessee – Gary W. Daniel, Cypress Inn
      • Texas – Wesley D. Ratcliff, Oakwood; Amy Kirkland, Vega; Jared K. Ranly, D.V.M., Lott; and David Henderson, Tennessee Colony
      • Utah – Mark J. Wintch, Milford
      • Wisconsin – Arin Crooks, Lancaster; and Steve Springer, Linden
      • Wyoming – Gwen Geis, Gillette
      • Mid-Atlantic Unit – Creed Ward, Volga, W.Va.
      • Northeast Unit – Warren W. Nop, Middlebury, Vt.
      • Southwest Unit – Kristin A. McQueary, Ruby Valley, Nev.; Cindy Tews, Hanford, Calif.; and Carlos Carrillo, Hanford, Calif.
      • Importer Unit – Jason Frost, Washington, D.C.; Selwyn Jones, Wimberley, Texas; and Matthew Allan, Washington, D.C.

    The board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is composed of 99 members representing 34 states and five units. Members must be beef producers or importers of beef and beef products nominated by certified producer organizations.

    More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen’s Beef Board webpage.

    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.

    AMS policy is that diversity of the boards, councils and committees it oversees should reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities, and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

  • Producers to Benefit from USDA Awards Providing Organic Market Development, Promotion Support

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced $9.75 million awarded to 10 grant projects through the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG). The funded projects will support the development and expansion of new and existing organic markets to increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural products. Together these projects will provide information and services to more than 20,000 producers and 20,000 buyers to increase market opportunities for organic farmers.

    “USDA is excited to announce the first round of funding awarded through the Organic Market Development Grant program,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The recipients of this funding will be spearheading unprecedented efforts to expand and open new revenue streams for the nation’s organic industry, building more value-added agricultural opportunities for farmers across rural America.”

    Under Secretary Moffitt was in Longmont, Colo., visiting Dry Land Distillery which partners with OMDG grant recipient The Colorado Grain Chain to source locally produced organic grain to craft their products. The Colorado Grain Chain is a non-profit organization that will use OMDG funding to expand on their work enhancing market opportunities for producers, processors, and value-added product makers of organic grain for human consumption.

    In May 2023, USDA announced approximately $75 million available through OMDG to increase the availability and demand for domestically produced organic agricultural products and to address the critical need for additional market paths. This first round of OMDG awards for the Market Development and Promotion project type is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

    USDA is awarding this first set of awards in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. USDA will announce additional awards at a later date.

    In addition to the Colorado Grain Chain, recipients of the Market Development and Promotion Project grants include:

    • The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association is awarded funds to strengthen demand for organic dairy products produced in the Northeast by expanding the farm-to-institution, increasing the number of retailers promoting organic dairy, and implementing targeted consumer marketing to boost demand for Northeast dairy products.
    • The Oregon Organic Coalition will collaborate with partners to increase consumer demand for organic food produced in Oregon and Washington and expand valuable markets for the region’s organic producers by targeting the specialty/craft food and farm-to-school markets.

    A full list of awarded projects is available on the OMDG webpage.

    AMS gave priority consideration to projects addressing specific pinpointed market needs for organic grains and livestock feed, organic dairy, organic fibers, organic legumes and other rotational crops, and organic ingredients currently unavailable in organic form.

    This grant program is part of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative, launched in fall 2022, which offers a suite of programs and resources to help existing organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production and processing. Other efforts under OTI include USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service conservation assistance for transitioning producers, including a new organic management practice standard and plans to leverage partnerships to expand relationships within the organic community, and AMS’ Transition to Organic Partnership Program, which builds mentorship relationships between transitioning and existing organic farmers to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support. Additionally, USDA’s Risk Management Agency provided direct support for crop insurance in 2023. More information about these initiatives and more can be found at farmers.gov/organic-transition-initiative.

    AMS supports U.S. food and agricultural product market opportunities, while increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods through applied research, technical services, and congressionally funded grants. These projects will support organic producers and further USDA’s goals to develop more and better markets, grow a diverse and equitable food system, and increase climate-smart agricultural practices.

    To learn more about AMS’s investments in enhancing and strengthening agricultural systems, visit www.ams.usda.gov/grants.

  • Blueberry Council Details Plan Empowering Industry to ‘Make Blueberries the World’s Favorite Fruit’

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) today announced details around its recently approved 2021-2025 strategic plan, which charts an ambitious course to exponentially grow the volume and value of blueberries domestically and across the globe. The comprehensive plan explains how USHBC will lead demand-driving programs based on shared resources, research and insights that inspire possibilities and sustain the profitable growth of the blueberry industry – ultimately uniting industry stakeholders to work together toward making blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.

    USHBC collects approximately $10 million in assessment dollars from growers and importers of record annually, and the strategic plan addresses how the council will invest that funding to fuel increased blueberry demand and consumption. The plan includes expanded, measurable programmatic goals and tactics for five strategic pillars: integrated marketing communications, health and nutrition, industry services, global business development, and innovation and technology. The health and nutrition pillar will be driven by USHBC’s newly hired first-ever senior director of nutrition and health research, Leslie Wada, Ph.D., RD.

    “Our 2021-2025 strategic plan is the culmination of more input from blueberry industry leaders and strategic partners than ever before, discussed and distilled for over the better part of a year, to create a bold blueprint to boost blueberries worldwide,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Our intent is that this plan and its guiding vision will positively impact the future beyond the next five years to hopefully the next decade or two of the blueberry industry.”

    USHBC embarked on the strategic plan development in partnership with Rockland Dutton Research & Consulting, drawing on highly relevant experience working with the National Mango Board, World Bank, Beef Checkoff, Hass Avocado Board and more. The work was the most robust planning process in the USHBC’s history, with significant internal and external input from approximately 50 interviews of board members and industry leaders, a survey of 193 industry stakeholders, and discussions with the entire USHBC staff and all partner agencies.

    “We’ve come a long way as a blueberry industry since the USHBC was established 20 years ago, and our exciting, forward-looking vision sets the stage for the next era of growth,” said Shelly Hartmann, chair of USHBC. “I’m proud to have a leading role as we begin to execute our new, unifying strategy to increase demand for blueberries, while strengthening and supporting our growers and stakeholders.”

    As the premier organization completely focused on growing the volume of blueberries sold in the U.S. and around the world, USHBC has driven demand for blueberries through comprehensive consumer promotional efforts and programming in retail, foodservice, export and food manufacturing. In 2019, 49% of U.S. households purchased blueberries — a 25% increase in annual household penetration over the previous six years. Blueberries are now on one in four menus, with 93% more restaurants offering blueberries than in 2005. And, 76% of food manufacturer respondents reported using blueberries in their company’s manufactured products — higher than any other berry.

    USHBC was established in 2000 as an official research and promotion program overseen by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) division. It’s governed by a 20-member board that periodically adopts strategic plans to guide short- and long-term budget and program decisions.

    To view the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, visit ushbc.org/about-ushbc.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.org.

  • $92.2 Million in Grants for Local Ag Markets & Food Systems

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of $92.2 million in competitive grant funding under the 2018 Farm Bill’s Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). These grants support the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, and value-added agricultural products.

    The LAMP grants are funded through the Farmers Market program as part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative. USDA launched this initiative in March to address shortfalls and disparities in how assistance was distributed in previous COVID-19 assistance packages, with a specific focus on strengthening outreach to underserved producers and communities and small and medium agricultural operations.

    “We have an opportunity to transform our nation’s food system with a greater focus on resilient, local and regional food systems,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These grants will help maximize opportunities for economic growth and ingenuity in local and regional food systems to kickstart this transformation. LAMP grants have a history of generating new income sources for small, beginning, veteran and socially disadvantaged farmers and creating new market opportunities for value-added and niche products.”

    USDA encourages projects that assist underserved local and regional agricultural businesses, producer networks and associations, and local and tribal government in responding to COVID-19 disruptions and impacts. Funding is not contingent upon applicants directly addressing these issues.

    Increasing Local Food Access Through Direct and Intermediary Producer-to-Consumer Markets

    USDA will award $76.9 million ($22.5 million in the 2018 Farm Bill, $47 million provided as emergency funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and $7.4 in annual appropriations) to FMLFPP. Projects under the Farmers Market Promotion Program support direct-to-consumer markets like farmers markets and CSAs. Projects under the Local Food Promotion Program supports indirect-to-consumer markets like food hubs and value-added product incubators.

    Buildng Robust and Resilient Local and Regional Food Economies

    USDA will award $15.3 million ($5 million in the 2018 Farm Bill and $10.3 provided as emergency funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021) to RFSP to fund public-private partnerships that build and strengthen viability and resilience of local or regional food economies. Projects focus on increase the availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products and alleviating unnecessary administrative and technical barriers. Projects can cover the planning and design of a local and regional food economy as well as implementing or expanding an existing one.

    The deadline to submit an application for the Local Agriculture Market Program is June 21, 2021. The deadline for the Regional Food System Partnership Program is July 6, 2021.

    Application and Grant Eligibility

    Applications undergo external expert peer review and the process is highly competitive. All grants require matching funds from community partners or stakeholders. The amounts and match amounts vary by program and are specified in the RFAs.

    Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due dates established in the respective Request for Applications (RFA’s). Any grant application submitted after the due date will not be considered unless the applicant provides documentation of an extenuating circumstance that prevented their timely submission of the grant application. Read more in AMS Late and Non-Responsive Application Policy (PDF, 431 KB).

    For more information about grant eligibility and previously funded projects, visit the FMPP webpage, LFPP webpage or RFSP webpage or contact the USDA at USDAFMPPQuestions@usda.gov, USDALFPPQuestions@usda.gov,or IPPGrants@usda.gov.

  • USDA to Purchase Fresh Produce Under New TEFAP Program

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Fresh Produce (WBSCM Material Number 111427). Pandemic Assistance funding has been made available to supplement The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) program for the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. Pursuant to that directive, to help those most in need receive healthy, fresh foods, USDA will be offering boxes of pre-packed, fresh produce through TEFAP in addition to the single varieties that are already available to order. The fresh produce package will include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that meet the following requirements. A 10-12 pound package that includes a minimum of at least four of the following: 3-5 lbs. of vegetables (no more than 3lbs. of root vegetables; i.e. potatoes, yams, carrots, onions, etc.), 3-5 lbs. of fruit; at least 2 locally grown fruit or vegetable items, as available, and if not available, add an additional fruit and vegetable item to meet a minimum package weight range of 10-12 lbs. Packages will be expected to have a shelf life of 7-10 days once delivered to the location listed on the contract.

    Solicitations will be issued in the near future, and will be available electronically through the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system and beta.sam.gov. A hard copy of the solicitation will not be available. Public WBSCM information is available without an account on the WBSCM Public Procurement Page. All future information regarding this acquisition, including solicitation amendments and award notices, will be published through WBSCM, the Agricultural Marketing Service’s website at www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food, and beta.sam.gov. Interested parties shall be responsible for ensuring that they have the most up-to-date information about this acquisition. The contract type is anticipated to be firm-fixed price. Deliveries are expected to be to various locations in the United States on an FOB destination basis.

    Pursuant to Agricultural Acquisition Regulation 470.103(b), commodities and the products of agricultural commodities acquired under this contract must be a product of the United States and shall be considered to be such a product if it is grown, processed, and otherwise prepared for sale or distribution exclusively in the United States. Packaging and container components under this acquisition will be the only portion subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements, as addressed by FAR clause 52.225-5.

    Offerors are urged to review all documents as they pertain to this program, including the latest—

    • AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements (MSCP-D), August 13, 2020 (pdf)
    • Qualification Requirements for Selling TEFAP Fresh Produce to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, April 7, 2021

    These documents are available on the AMS Commodity Procurement website.

    To be eligible to submit offers, potential contractors must meet the Qualification Requirements for Selling TEFAP Fresh Produce to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The AMS point of contact for new vendors can be reached by email at TEFAPFreshProduce@usda.gov. Please include the following in the email’s subject line: TEFAP Fresh Produce [insert company name].

    Once qualification requirements have been met, access to WBSCM will be provided. Bids, modifications, withdrawals of bids, and price adjustments shall be submitted using this system. Submission of the above by any means other than WBSCM will be determined nonresponsive.

    To receive e-mail notification of the issuance of AMS solicitations, contract awards, and other information, subscribe online by visiting: “Stay up to date on USDA Food Purchases” available on the AMS Commodity Procurement webs

  • USDA Announces Results of Walnut Marketing Order Referendum

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced amendments to the federal marketing order regulating the handling of walnuts grown in California. These amendments authorize the California Walnut Board to provide credit for market promotion expenses paid by handlers against their annual assessments due under the program.

    The amendments were approved in a referendum conducted Nov. 30 through Dec. 11, 2020. They were favored by 80.57% of the growers voting, representing 82.81% of the total volume of walnuts. To gain approval, the amendments needed support of at least two-thirds of the growers voting in the referendum or at least two-thirds of the volume of walnuts grown by those voting in the referendum. A final rule amending the marketing order will be published in the Federal Register.

    USDA’s process for considering this change included an administrative hearing conducted April 20-21, 2020.

    The board locally administers the marketing order that maintains minimum grade and size regulations for walnuts grown in California. The marketing order also authorizes promotion, and research and development projects. More information about the marketing order is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 984 California Walnut webpage, the AMS Marketing Orders and Agreements webpage, or by contacting the Marketing Order and Agreement Division at (202) 720-2491.

    Authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, marketing orders are industry-driven programs that help producers and handlers achieve marketing success by leveraging their own funds to design and execute programs that they would not be able to do individually. AMS provides oversight to 29 fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop marketing orders and agreements, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

  • USDA Seeks Nominees for American Pecan Promotion Board

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board under the newly established Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Nominations are due by March 26, 2021.

    The 17-member board will consist of 10 producers and seven importers. The 10 producer members will be allocated between three regions within the United States as follows: three from the Eastern Region; three from the Central Region; and four from the Western Region.  Seven members will be importers. Initial board members’ terms of office of two, three and four years will be assigned by USDA to stagger future terms of office. Each member’s term will begin when USDA approves the nominations.

    To serve on the board, producers and importers must have produced or imported more than 50,000 pounds of inshell pecans (25,000 pounds of shelled pecans) on average for four fiscal periods. Producers who produce pecans in more than one region may seek nomination only in the region in which they produce the majority of their pecans.

    The order specifies that nominations for producer member seats will be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by the American Pecan Council, the 17-member federal marketing order governing body. If you are interested in serving as a producer member please submit your nominations to info@americanpecan.com. You may also contact Jeff Smutny at (817) 916-0020.

    USDA is conducting nominations for importer members. Please submit nominations to Patricia Petrella at Patricia.Petrella@usda.gov.

    For more information about the program, visit the AMS American Pecan Promotion Boardwebpage or contact USDA Promotion and Economics Division Deputy Director, Patricia Petrella, at (301) 337-5295 or Patricia.Petrella@usda.gov.

    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.