Christmas tree checkoff survives after second vote

The real Christmas tree checkoff has survived another close call after farmers voted to continue the research and promotions program after narrowly rejecting it earlier this year. The USDA has announced that 52% of growers chose to retain the checkoff for another seven years during a referendum held from Oct. 1-16. The agency held the election for a second time after slightly more than 50% of farmers voted against its continuation during a referendum that concluded in June. Numerous ballots arrived too late to be counted in the previous referendum, which had a shorter voting window than normal. Those late ballots could have swayed the results, which convinced USDA to redo the election. The Real Christmas Tree Board, which administers the checkoff, is pleased with the outcome and welcomes the opportunity to keep working with growers on research and promotions, said Marsha Gray, its executive director.

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