Feds Rename Christmas Tree Board 'Real' and Offer Tree Refunds!
Published Date: 3/9/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 8, 2026, the Christmas Tree Promotion Board gets a fresh new name—the Real Christmas Tree Board—and some handy updates! Importers can now get refunds if their trees don’t sell, the Board can spend a bit more on admin costs, and everyone must keep records longer. These changes help keep the Christmas tree business running smoothly and fairly for growers, sellers, and importers alike.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Board may spend up to 15% on admin
Starting April 8, 2026, the Order raises the Board's cap on administrative expenses from 10% to 15% of annual revenue. The rule notes the Board's administrative costs were 7.2%, 7.3%, and 9.3% of revenues in 2021–2023 and says the higher cap aligns with other commodity orders.
Importers can get refunds for unsold trees
Importers may request refunds for assessments paid on Christmas trees that were imported into the United States but not sold. For importers who imported less than 500 trees, refunds will be paid within 30 calendar days after the end of the fiscal period; for refunds of assessments collected by Customs, the Board will refund such importers no later than 60 calendar days after receipt by the Board.
Importer payment timing and due date rules
If Customs does not collect an assessment, importers must pay the assessment directly to the Board by February 15 of the crop year in which the trees are imported. If Customs collects the assessment, the assessments are due when the trees enter the United States.
Records must be kept for five years
Producers and importers must retain all relevant records related to the Order for at least five years. The change replaces the prior two-year retention requirement to allow the Board to audit additional years and collect any past-due assessments.
Budget and financial filing deadlines adjusted
The Board must now submit its budget between May 1 and June 1 (no more than 90 days and no less than 60 days prior to the fiscal period), and the deadline to submit the annual financial statement is extended from 90 days to 180 days after the fiscal period. AMS says this helps Board members avoid meeting during the October harvest season.
Electronic voting and shorter meeting notices allowed
The Order allows votes and ballots to be cast by any means of communication, permits meetings by electronic or other communication means, and shortens minimum advance notice for Board meetings from 14 days to 7 days. The preamble says these changes increase accessibility, enhance efficiency, and decrease administrative costs.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06375 — Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon; Decreased Assessment Rate
If you grow or handle sweet onions in the Walla Walla Valley, good news! Starting May 4, 2026, the fee you pay per 50-pound bag drops from 20 cents to 17 cents. This lower rate will stick around until further notice, helping growers save money while keeping those tasty onions coming.
2026-06103 — Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Changes to Membership
If you import softwood lumber into the U.S. or are part of the Softwood Lumber Board, listen up! The USDA wants to clear up how much you pay in fees and change who gets to be on the Board. These updates could affect your costs and membership starting soon, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 29, 2026.
2026-05653 — Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info for the Shell Egg Surveillance Program, which helps make sure eggs are safe and inspected properly. They’re asking for permission to extend this info collection past June 30, 2026, with no big changes or extra costs. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until May 22, 2026, to share them!
2026-05598 — National Organic Program: National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances per October 2021, October 2022, and October 2024 Recommendations (Crops and Livestock)
The USDA wants to update organic farming rules to help farmers grow crops and raise animals better. They’re proposing to allow carbon dioxide for crops, a new pain medicine for animals, and easier rules for poultry feed. These changes could save time and money for organic producers if approved, with public comments open until May 22, 2026.
2026-05542 — Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order
California almond growers might soon get the green light to borrow money from banks to help manage their almond marketing. This change could make it easier for the almond industry to handle costs and keep things running smoothly. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by May 19, 2026!
2026-05330 — Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date
The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about how poultry growers get paid and handle big expenses. Instead of starting July 1, 2026, these changes won’t kick in until December 31, 2027. This gives everyone more time to think things over and share their thoughts before the rules take effect.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04585 — Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 69
Starting March 9, 2026, new rules kick in for fishermen in the Northeast multispecies fishery, including groundfish sectors and recreational anglers. These changes update catch limits, protect overfished stocks like Georges Bank haddock, and make sure fishing is based on the latest science. The goal? Keep fish populations healthy while supporting fishing communities and businesses.
Next: 2026-04614 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus Helicopters AS355 models, listen up! The FAA found a broken hose problem caused by hot air leaks and now requires regular checks and fixes to keep things safe. These new rules kick in on March 25, 2026, so owners should get ready to inspect, fix, and avoid installing risky parts—saving money and lives in the long run.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in