AMS Research and Promotion Boards
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Agricultural Marketing Service Research and Promotion Boards (AMS R&P Boards) are industry-funded entities designed to conduct generic promotion, research, and consumer information programs for specific agricultural commodities. These boards help in improving the economic position of the producers and handlers of these commodities by enhancing consumer awareness and market development.
Mission
The AMS R&P Boards aim to support the U.S. agricultural industry by funding and directing research, marketing, and promotional activities that increase the demand for commodities like dairy, beef, pork, cotton, and many others. Their activities are focused on maintaining and expanding markets both domestically and internationally, all while being funded through assessments on producers and handlers.[1]
Parent organization
The R&P Boards are managed by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees marketing and regulatory programs for agricultural products.[2]
Legislation
Each R&P Board is established by commodity-specific legislation or orders, which are authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996, among other acts. These legal frameworks allow for the creation of boards to manage promotion and research for specific commodities.
Partners
- Producers and handlers of the specific commodity
- Marketing agencies and consultants
- Research institutions
- Trade associations related to the commodity[3]
Number of employees
Each board's membership varies, typically consisting of appointed members from the industry they represent, who serve voluntarily. The number of members on each board is determined by the specific commodity program.
Boards
These boards are overseen by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, ensuring that each program maintains fiscal accountability and program integrity. Each board is funded by industry assessments, not federal appropriations, and operates under specific acts and orders that govern their activities.
Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board
Operates the beef research and promotion (R&P) program to maintain and expand markets for beef and beef products.
American Egg Board
Manages the egg R&P program aimed at enhancing domestic and foreign markets for eggs and egg products.
National Dairy Promotion and Research Board
Established to develop and administer advertising and promotion to increase demand for dairy products and ingredients.
National Pork Board
Administers the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information program, focusing on pork promotion.
United Soybean Board
Focuses on research, promotion, and education for soybeans and soybean products.
National Watermelon Promotion Board
Works to expand markets for watermelons through promotion and research activities.
Mushroom Council
Promotes the use and consumption of mushrooms.
Hass Avocado Board
Promotes the consumption of Hass avocados.
Blueberry Promotion Research and Information Order
Focuses on research and promotion to expand the market for blueberries.
Cotton Research and Promotion Board
Known as Cotton Incorporated, it runs programs to promote cotton use and research.
Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board
Manages the "Milk Processor Education Program" (MilkPEP), which includes the "Got Milk?" campaign.
National Honey Board
Promotes honey and honey products.
National Potato Promotion Board
Known as Potatoes USA, it works on promoting potatoes.
Popcorn Board
Promotes popcorn consumption and supports research.
Peanut Research and Promotion Board
Promotes the use and consumption of peanuts.
Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order
Focuses on increasing lamb consumption through research and promotion.
Mango Board
Promotes mango consumption.
Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion Board
Promotes the use of paper and paper-based packaging.
National Fluid Milk Promotion Board
Promotes fluid milk consumption.
Christmas Tree Promotion Board
Promotes the sale and use of real Christmas trees.
Maple Syrup Board
Promotes the use of maple syrup.
Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order
Focuses on promoting sorghum.
Organization structure
The boards are organized by commodity, with each having its own structure but generally including a board of directors or similar governing body.
Leader
Each board is led by a Chair, elected or appointed to oversee the board's activities.
Divisions
There are no formal divisions within these boards, but they might have committees focused on:
- Research
- Promotion
- Market development
List of programs
- Promotion campaigns to increase consumer demand
- Research projects aimed at improving commodity quality or production methods
- Educational initiatives to inform consumers about the benefits of the commodity
Last total enacted budget
Budgets for these boards are not publicly specified in a single document but are based on assessments collected from the industry, which can vary annually.
Staff
The boards do not have dedicated staff; they are supported by AMS employees, and sometimes they hire external contractors for specific projects.
Funding
Each board is self-funded through mandatory assessments on producers or handlers of the commodity, which are then used to finance the board's activities.
Services provided
AMS R&P Boards provide services like market research, promotional activities, and consumer education to enhance the image, demand, and sales of U.S. agricultural commodities.
Regulations overseen
While the boards do not directly oversee regulations, their activities are subject to USDA oversight to ensure compliance with the enabling legislation for each program.
Headquarters address
1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250, United States
History
Since their establishment under various acts, these boards have played a significant role in shaping the marketing strategies for U.S. agricultural commodities, adapting to changes in consumer preferences and market conditions.[4]
External links
- Official AMS R&P Boards Website
- wikipedia:Agricultural Marketing Service#Research_and_Promotion_Programs
References
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "Research & Promotion Programs". USDA AMS, https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "About AMS". USDA AMS, https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "Research & Promotion Programs". USDA AMS, https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "Research & Promotion Programs". USDA AMS, https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion (accessed February 8, 2025).