USDA to Conduct a Second Continuance Referendum for the Christmas Tree Research and Promotion Program

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 order requires USDA to conduct a continuance referendum every seven years. In a previous continuance referendum with a close margin, AMS also conducted a second referendum to determine industry support for the Christmas Tree program. In 2018, a referendum showed continuance of the program was supported by 51% of voters. The close margin of that vote prompted AMS to conduct a second referendum in 2019, in which continuation of the program received 55% support.

AMS will conduct the referendum by mail and electronic ballot. AMS staff will mail new ballots and voting instructions, including how to vote electronically, to all known eligible domestic producers and importers before the voting period. Detailed information on the second continuance referendum, including the voting period, is forthcoming.

More information about the Real Christmas Tree Board is on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) webpage and the Real Christmas Tree 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 21 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

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