USDA Terminates Hardwood Checkoff Proposal

Washington, DC, October 29, 2015—The United States Department of Agriculture has terminated the Hardwood Lumber and Hardwood Plywood Promotion, Research and Information Order program proposal, commonly called the Hardwood Checkoff, according to the National Wood Flooring Association’s Hardwood Floors Magazine.

The proposal would have assessed hardwood mills with sales of over $2 million to fund promotions for the hardwood industry.

The USDA terminated the Hardwood Checkoff because of critical public comments, lingering and substantive questions, and significant proposed modifications from key stakeholders.

In order for the program to move forward, a majority of companies paying into the program have to vote in favor of moving forward.

During the open comment period for the proposal, more than 900 comments were submitted, the majority of which opposed the program.