By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now inviting nominations for the Christmas Tree Promotion Board, a national group that supports the promotion and research of real Christmas trees. This board helps boost the industry through education, outreach and collaboration among producers.
The USDA is looking to fill four seats on the board, with three-year terms beginning January 1, 2026. One of the open seats is for the Central Region, which includes Kansas along with states like Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and others. This is a great opportunity for Kansas Christmas tree producers to get involved and contribute to the future of the industry.
The board brings together producers and importers to work on programs that increase demand for real trees, inform the public, and fund research to support sustainable practices. Established under federal authority, the board is part of a larger network of USDA-supported commodity boards that help promote U.S. agriculture.
To be eligible, producers must apply in the region where they grow most of their trees. Those who grow in multiple areas must select only one region for nomination purposes.
Kansas growers interested in applying can find nomination forms at realchristmastreeboard.org/about or contact Executive Director Marsha Gray at (517) 242-1630 or mjgray1@charter.net. USDA Marketing Specialist George Webster can also be reached at (202) 365-4172 or George.Webster@usda.gov.
The board consists of 12 members—11 producers and one importer—and operates under the oversight of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). These boards, funded by the industry, help ensure programs run with transparency and accountability.
Kansas producers are encouraged to apply before the June 1, 2025 deadline and take part in shaping the future of the real Christmas tree industry.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Business