The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is adjusting membership on the Egg Research and Promotion Board to reflect shifts in egg production and consolidation since the last board reapportionment.
This rule adjusts representation on the American Egg Board, established under the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974, and outlines changes to geographic areas based on sustained changes in egg production in several states.
The Egg Research and Promotion Order establishes a board composed of 18 members. Currently, the 48 contiguous states are divided into six areas with three members representing each area. This rule will reduce the number of geographic areas from six to three. The number of board members representing each geographic area will change to six. The total board membership will remain at 18.
This rule applies to the nomination process in 2020 and will affect the board members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve on the board beginning in 2021.
The final rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 6, 2020, with an effective date of Nov. 5, 2020.
Submit questions concerning the change to Agricultural Marketing Specialist Craig Shackelford at Craig.shackelford@usda.gov or 470-315-4246, or send to Research and Promotion Division, Livestock and Poultry Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2610-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250-0251.
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. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight of 21 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.
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