The U.S. Department of Agriculture announces that the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order is now effective. The order takes effect today, one day after the Federal Register notice. Assessment collection will begin January 2012.

In a recent referendum, eligible domestic manufacturers and importers voted in favor of implementing a national softwood lumber research and promotion program. Softwood lumber is used in products like flooring, siding and framing materials.

Domestic manufacturers and importers annually shipping 15 million board feet or more of softwood lumber within the United States will pay an assessment of 35 cents per thousand board feet. Companies shipping less will be exempt. U. S. softwood lumber exports will also be exempt. Additionally, companies will not pay assessments on the first 15 million board feet of lumber shipped during a fiscal year.

The Softwood Lumber Board will use the assessments for research and promotion projects to help build demand for softwood lumber within the United States. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection will collect assessments from importers.

The Blue Ribbon Commission, a 21-member committee of industry representatives, will submit nominations for the initial Softwood Lumber Board to USDA. The board will be composed of at least 18 members. USDA will also conduct outreach to solicit additional nominees. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

For more information on the Softwood Lumber Board, contact Maureen Pello at (503) 632-8848 or e-mail: Maureen.Pello@ams.usda.gov. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion to learn more about the program.