Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order; Continuance Referendum and Moratorium on Assessment Collection

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

Notification of referendum and moratorium on assessment collection.

This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging to determine whether they favor continuance of the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) regulations regarding a national paper and paper-based packaging research and promotion program. AMS is also announcing an immediate moratorium on the collection of assessments under the program.

This referendum will be conducted by express mail and electronic ballot from July 14, 2025, through July 25, 2025. Ballots delivered to AMS via express mail or electronic ballot must show proof of delivery by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 25, 2025. Eligible persons will receive a ballot through mail and may cast a ballot through express mail or electronic ballot. Each person who is an eligible domestic manufacturer or importer at the time of the referendum and during the representative period from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, shall be entitled to cast a ballot in the referendum.

Copies of the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order may be obtained from: Referendum Agent, Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program (SCP), AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1406-S, Stop 0244, Washington, DC 20250-0244, telephone: (202) 720-8085 or contact George Webster at (202) 365-4172 or via electronic mail: [email protected].