  RealChristmasTreeBoard.orgRealChristmasTreeBoard.comRCTB Referendum UpdateYesterday, the RCTB board met with USDA representatives regarding the referendum results and related issues in USDA management of the voting process. As was announced last Friday by the USDA: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will conduct a second referendum among eligible Christmas tree domestic producers and importers to decide whether to continue their research and promotion order. Dates will be announced after consultation with the Real Christmas Tree Board. This action follows the recent continuance referendum conducted May 22, through June 2, 2026. In that vote, 49.83% of voters supported its continuation. However, the voting period included fewer business days than the standard timeframe, and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) received numerous late ballots which, under a standard voting window, may have been counted and potentially changed the outcome. Given these circumstances, AMS will conduct an additional referendum to determine the industry’s support for continuation or termination. The RCTB will provide updates to the industry regarding the dates for the next referendum voting period as soon as they are determined and all RCTB funded programming continues as planned. Please watch for additional updates and announcements. Real Christmas Tree Boardinfo@realchristmastreeboard.orghttp://www.realchristmastreeboard.orgCopyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved. |