Release No.: 060-15

Contact:

Hakim Fobia (202) 690-0488

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2015 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced it is issuing a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking for the Hardwood Lumber and Hardwood Plywood Promotion, Research and Information Order. After receiving extensive comments on the original proposed rule to establish an industry-funded national research and promotion program for hardwood lumber and hardwood plywood, USDA is reopening the comment period with respect to specific issues identified in the supplemental proposed rule.

USDA is also issuing a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the procedures for conducting a referendum to determine whether manufacturers of hardwood lumber and hardwood plywood support the proposed program. Hardwood lumber products are used in residential and commercial construction including flooring, furniture, moldings, doors and kitchen cabinets.

Research and Promotion programs are proposed and funded by industry and authorized by Congress. Dating back to 1966, they provide a framework for farmers and ranchers to pool resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. As with the 23 existing programs, the proposed hardwood lumber and plywood program would be administered by a board of industry members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The 28-member hardwood board would be responsible for carrying out activities related to promotion, research, information, and education to help maintain and expand markets for hardwood lumber and hardwood plywood.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees the programs to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency, and fair treatment of participating stakeholders. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion to learn more about research and promotion programs.

Information on both of the supplemental notices of proposed rulemaking will be published in the June 9, 2015, Federal Register. The rules will provide a 30-day comment period. Comments must be received by July 9, 2015, and may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov or mailed to the Promotion and Economics Division, FVP, AMS, USDA, Stop 0244, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1406-S, Washington, DC 20250-0244.

Copies of the supplemental notices of proposed rulemaking and any comments that are received may be requested from the same address or viewed at www.regulations.gov.

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