The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to conduct a referendum from May 10 to June 10, 2024, for eligible domestic pecan producers and importers to decide on the continuation of their research and promotion program. To be eligible to vote, participants must have produced or imported at least 50,000 pounds of inshell pecans or 25,000 pounds of shelled pecans between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sep. 30, 2023. The voting, managed by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) through express mail and electronic ballot, requires a majority approval for the program to proceed. The AMS, which oversees 22 similar boards, aims to ensure the board's diversity reflects that of the industry and supports market development, research, and promotional activities through industry assessments.