There will be no Hardwood Checkoff promotions program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stopped the rulemaking process on the controversial "Hardwood Lumber and Hardwood Plywood Promotion, Research and Information Order." The termination is effective Oct. 29.

The US Hardwood Lumber Industrial Coalition is again calling into question the need for a Hardwood Checkoff Program, claiming the latest round of revisions would generate revenues of less than $2 million, an amount smaller than that claimed by the program's proponents and far below the $10 million sought in the original proposal.

The Softwood Lumber Checkoff program is under scrutiny after a U.S. federal court ruling found that the tax imposed may not be "lawful." The September announcement stems from a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Resolute Forest Products Inc.

Plywood, flooring and green mills would be removed and fees would be scaled back under a simplified Hardwood Checkoff program being proposed by sponsors. The proposed changes to the "Hardwood Lumber and Hardwood Plywood Promotion, Research, and Information Order" would result in program funding being cut from an estimated $10 million down to around $3 million to $4 million.

The proposed Hardwood Checkoff program is receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from those in the business of growing dependable, high quality timber for the hardwood lumber industry.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has asked for public input on the Checkoff program, particularly soliciting views of those in the hardwood business.

Following a request by Hardwood Checkoff opponents, the woodworking industry now has until Sept. 7 to submit comments on the proposed program, which sets a tax on lumber producers to help promote wood sales, similar to the "Got Milk?" and "Pork: The Other White Meat" ad programs. Some timber and lumber producers do not want to see the program launched.

The Wood Component Manufacturers Association works with industry groups for the betterment of the North American woodworking industry, while keeping members informed of relevant issues that impact their businesses. On the radar are:

The USDA is once again seeking public comments on the proposed Hardwood Checkoff program following seven editorial amendments made to the proposal. Similar to program such as "Got Milk," "Beef, It's What's for Dinner" and "Pork, the Other White Meat," the hardwood checkoff program would be a collective marketing effort funded by the lumber producers and run by an industry-governed board; coordinated through the USDA.

The Ohio Forestry Association (OFA) is the latest state forestry association to voice opposition to the Hardwood Checkoff initiative now under consideration by the US Department of Agriculture.

The US Hardwood Industry Coalition applauds the recent action taken by The Ohio Forestry Association, Inc., (OFA) to oppose the Hardwood Checkoff initiative now under consideration by the US Department of Agriculture.