`[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 21, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6779-6783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-01375]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 1222

[Doc. No. AMS-SC-23-0080]


Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and 
Information Order; Clarifying Changes

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture 
(USDA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule implements clarifying amendments to the Paper 
and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order 
(Order). The amendments include an added definition for partnership; 
clarification of the nominations process; clarification about in person 
and electronic voting for any Board meetings; an update of the timing 
of financial reporting; and a revision of requirements for when 
exemptions can be requested. This final rule brings language in the 
Order up to date with current industry practices.

DATES: This final rule is effective February 20, 2025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samantha Mareno, Agricultural 
Marketing Specialist, Market Development Division, Specialty Crops 
Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1406-S, STOP 0244, 
Washington, DC 20250-0244; Telephone: (720) 827-4907; or Email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule affecting the Order (7 CFR 
part 1222) is authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and 
Information Act of 1996 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 7411-7425).

Executive Orders 12866, 13563 and 14094

    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is issuing this rule in 
conformance with Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14094. Executive 
Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits 
of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, 
to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including 
potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, 
distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the 
importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, 
harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. Executive Order 14094 
reaffirms, supplements, and

[[Page 6780]]

updates Executive Order 12866 and further directs agencies to solicit 
and consider input from a wide range of affected and interested parties 
through a variety of means. This rule is not a significant regulatory 
action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this 
action has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget 
under section 6 of the Executive Order.

Executive Order 13175

    This action has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements 
of Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments, which requires agencies to consider whether their 
rulemaking actions will have Tribal implications. AMS has determined 
that this rule is unlikely to have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian Tribes, or the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. Section 
524 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 7423) provides that it shall not affect or 
preempt any other Federal or State law authorizing promotion or 
research relating to an agricultural commodity.
    Under section 519 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 7418), a person subject to 
an order may file a written petition with the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA), stating that an order, any provision of an order, 
or any obligation imposed in connection with an order, is not 
established in accordance with the law, and request a modification of 
an order or an exemption from an order. Any petition filed challenging 
an order, any provision of an order, or any obligation imposed in 
connection with an order, shall be filed within two years after the 
effective date of an order, provision, or obligation subject to 
challenge in the petition. The petitioner will have the opportunity for 
a hearing on the petition. Thereafter, USDA will issue a ruling on the 
petition. The Act provides that the district court of the United States 
for any district in which the petitioner resides or conducts business 
shall have the jurisdiction to review a final ruling on the petition if 
the petitioner files a complaint for that purpose not later than 20 
days after the date of the entry of USDA's final ruling.

Background

    Under the Order, which became effective on January 23, 2014, the 
Paper and Packaging Board (Board), with oversight by USDA, administers 
a nationally coordinated program of research, promotion and information 
designed to strengthen the paper and paper-based packaging industry. 
The program covers four types of paper and paper-based packaging--
printing and writing paper (used to make products for printing, 
writing, and other communication purposes), kraft packaging paper (used 
for products like grocery bags and sacks), containerboard (used to make 
corrugated boxes, shipping containers, and related products), and 
paperboard (used for food and beverage packaging, tubes, and other 
miscellaneous products). The program is financed by assessments on 
domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based 
packaging.
    This final rule makes multiple clarifying amendments to the Order. 
These amendments include an added definition for partnership; 
clarification on the nomination process; clarification of language 
about in person and electronic voting for any Board meetings; an update 
of the timing of financial reporting; and revised requirements 
concerning when exemptions may be requested. The Board, which is 
composed of domestic manufacturers from across the country and 
importers, unanimously recommended the changes to the Order on August 
19, 2023. This action modifies language in the Order to bring it up to 
date with current industry practices.

Board Recommendation to Revise Order

    The final rule revises several sections in subpart A of the Order. 
This rule changes the language in Sec.  1222.7 from fiscal period to 
fiscal year as the term is better understood by the industry. Sections 
1222.12 and 1222.13 include the term produce and producer respectively 
in the definition of manufacture and manufacturer. The term produce and 
producer are not used in the paper and paper-based packaging industry. 
Therefore, the final rule removes these terms from the definition of 
manufacture and manufacturer.
    Lastly, this rule adds a new term for partnership in Sec.  1222.19 
and states that a partnership includes, but is not limited to, spouses 
and joint ventures. This revision clarifies who is responsible for 
paying assessments. With this change, the existing Sec. Sec.  1222.19 
through 1222.29 are renumbered.
    Section 1222.41 outlines the Board nominations and appointments 
process. This rule amends Sec.  1222.41(c)(1) by specifically issuing a 
call for nominations to all current manufacturers and importers who 
have paid assessments during the prior fiscal year. Furthermore, 
revisions to Sec.  1222.41(c)(4) and (5) remove repetitive language. 
Lastly, Sec.  1222.41(c)(10) is revised by the rule to specify that no 
two members shall be employed by a single manufacturer or importer that 
pays assessments under the Order to avoid confusion as to who can serve 
on the Board.
    Section 1222.43(a) allows the Secretary to remove a Board member or 
employee for failure or refusal to perform their duties, per the 
Board's recommendation. This final rule removes the employee clause to 
be consistent with language in other research and promotion orders.
    Section 1222.44 outlines the Board's procedures for conducting 
Board meetings. Section 1222.44(c) states that votes shall be cast in 
person at an assembled meeting. Additionally, Sec.  1222.44(d) allows 
for other means of voting in lieu of voting at an assembled meeting. 
This final rule includes revisions to both sections to include options 
for electronic voting, or other means.
    Section 1222.47 outlines prohibited activities for the Board. 
Section 1222.47(c) states no program, plan or project including 
advertising shall be false, misleading, or disparaging to another 
agriculture commodity. To be consistent in writing style, the rule 
modifies the language to state any program, plan or project including 
advertising that is false, misleading, or disparaging to another 
agriculture commodity. This section is updated to ensure clarity in 
wording.
    Section 1222.50(i) outlines the operating monetary reserve for the 
Board and states that the funds in the reserve may not exceed one 
fiscal year's budget of expenses. This rule increases the funds in the 
reserve so they may not exceed two fiscal years, which is consistent 
with other research and promotion orders.
    Section 1222.51(b) describes when financial statements are to be 
submitted to the Department. The current timeframe is 30 days after the 
time period to which it applies, which is too restrictive because the 
Board reports financial statements on a quarterly basis. Therefore, 
this final rule specifies that the financial statements are to be

[[Page 6781]]

submitted quarterly and no later than 70 days after the period to which 
it applies.
    Section 1222.51(c) refers to the annual financial statement that is 
submitted to the Department. The annual financial statement is due to 
the Department within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year. The 
Board has had difficulty in meeting this short deadline. Therefore, 
this rule extends the timeframe to no later than 120 days to allow the 
Board more time to submit the statement to the Department.
    Section 1222.52(e) states that importers of paper and paper-based 
packaging shall pay assessments through Customs to the Board. Customs 
does not currently collect import assessments for the Board and 
therefore, this final rule removes ``through Customs'' in paragraph 
(e), instead stating that each importer shall pay their assessment to 
the Board.
    Section 1222.52(f) states Customs collects assessments. Since 
Customs does not collect the assessment, the final rule revises the 
section to state that each importer is responsible for paying 
assessments directly to the Board.
    Section 1222.53(a)(1) specifies the minimum quantity necessary to 
be eligible for an exemption from assessments and requires 
manufacturers to apply for an exemption prior to the start of the 
marketing year. This final rule removes this requirement, allowing them 
to apply for an exemption at any time during a marketing year, not just 
before the year starts.
    Section 1222.53(a)(2)(iii) provides that importers' assessments are 
collected by Customs and the Board shall refund the importer who has 
filed for exemption. Because Customs doesn't collect assessments, the 
final rule updates this section to reflect that the importer would pay 
the Board directly.
    Section 1222.53(a)(5) details how the quantity of paper and paper-
based packaging counts towards an exemption. This final rule revises 
the paragraph to ensure that in determining whether a manufacturer or 
import qualifies for the exemption, the combined quantity of all paper 
and paper-based packaging manufactured or imported during a marketing 
year shall count towards the 100,000 short ton exemption.
    Section 1222.81(b)(2) refers to the frequency of referenda and 
outlines the criteria for continuation. This final rule updates this 
section to clarify that only eligible domestic manufacturers or 
eligible importers are included in the referendum voting. This change 
does not change who can vote and does not change voting restrictions.
    Section 1222.82(b) states that the Secretary has the right to 
suspend or terminate the program whenever it is favored by the 
industry. The final rule updates this section to make the language used 
more concise to avoid confusion by the industry.
    This rule updates definitions in Sec.  1222.101 to be consistent 
with terms defined in subpart A. Specifically, paragraph (e) includes 
producer in the definition for eligible domestic manufacturer. This 
final rule revises this section to remove the word producer. Paragraph 
(i) includes the term produce in the definition of manufacture and this 
final rule removes the term produce from the definition.
    Lastly, Sec.  1222.102(a) outlines the voting eligibility of 
domestic manufacturers and importers. This final rule revises this 
section to include clarifying language to avoid confusion in the 
eligibility.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), AMS has considered the 
economic impact of this action on small entities that would be affected 
by this rule. The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory action to 
scale of businesses subject to such action so that small businesses 
will not be disproportionately burdened. Manufacturers and importers 
would be considered agricultural service firms. The Small Business 
Administration defines small agricultural service firms as those having 
annual receipts of no more than $30 million (13 CFR part 121).
    According to the Board, there are approximately 47 manufacturers in 
the United States that manufacture the types of paper and paper-based 
packaging covered under the Order. Using an average price of $1,350 per 
short ton,\1\ a manufacturer who manufactures less than 22,220 short 
tons of paper and paper-based packaging per year would be considered a 
small entity. The Board estimated that no entity manufactured less than 
22,220 short tons in 2022; thus, no domestic manufacturers would be 
considered small businesses.
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    \1\ No domestic market pricing information for paper and paper-
based packaging was publicly available; instead, average prices were 
estimated using export data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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    Based on Customs data, there were 3,272 importers of paper and 
paper-based packaging in 2022. Of these, 40 importers, or 1 percent, 
had annual receipts of more than $30 million of paper and paper-based 
packaging. Thus, the majority of importers would be considered small 
entities.
    This final rule makes multiple clarifying changes to the Order. The 
changes include a revision to the definition of importer; inclusion of 
a definition for partnership; clarification of the nominations process; 
clarifying language about in person and electronic voting for any Board 
meetings; an update to the timing of financial reporting; and a 
revision to the requirements concerning when exemptions will be 
requested.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), the information collection and recordkeeping requirements 
that are imposed by the Order have been approved previously under OMB 
control number 0581-0093. This final rule does not change the 
information collection and recordkeeping requirements previously 
approved and would impose no additional reporting and recordkeeping 
burden on domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based 
packaging.
    As with all Federal research and promotion programs, reports and 
forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and 
duplication by industry and public sector agencies. AMS has not 
identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or 
conflict with this final rule.
    AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act to promote 
the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to government information 
and services, and for other purposes.
    Regarding alternatives, the Board considered not making the 
clarifying changes to the Order and leaving it as it is currently. The 
Board decided against leaving the Order unchanged as confusion would 
continue and potentially worsen over time. Therefore, that alternative 
was rejected.
    Regarding outreach efforts, the Board determined that making these 
changes clarifies the issues and answer questions that have arisen over 
the last eight years and will help resolve similar questions in the 
future. These changes were discussed by the Board in June and November 
2022, and the full Board unanimously recommended the changes on August 
19, 2023. AMS has performed this RFA analysis regarding the impact of 
this action on small entities and invited comments concerning potential 
effects of this action.

[[Page 6782]]

    A proposed rule concerning this action was published in the Federal 
Register on July 15, 2024 (89 FR 57368). A copy of the proposed rule 
was also made available through the internet by AMS via https://www.regulations.gov. A 30-day comment period ending on August 14, 2024, 
was provided for interested parties to respond to the proposal.

Comment Analysis

    During the proposed rule's 30-day comment period, AMS received two 
comments, which may be viewed on https://www.regulations.gov/document/AMS-SC-23-0080-0001/comment. One comment received was in support of the 
changes, and one comment was opposed.
    The commenter in support of the changes stated they are in favor of 
the changes as they will be helpful for industry stakeholders.
    The other commenter opposed the revised definition of importer, 
stating the change broadens the scope of the definition, potentially 
causing confusion. The commenter suggested not revising the definition. 
AMS considered the comment and agreed. Therefore, the change was not 
made to this rule.
    With all relevant material presented, including the information and 
recommendations submitted by the Board, the comments received, and 
other available information, it is hereby found that this rule, as 
hereinafter set forth, is consistent with and will effectuate the 
purposes of the Order.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1222

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Labeling, 
Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Agricultural 
Marketing Service amends 7 CFR part 1222 as follows:

PART 1222--PAPER AND PAPER-BASED PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND 
INFORMATION ORDER

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1222 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401.


0
2. Revise Sec.  1222.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.7  Fiscal year and marketing year.

    Fiscal year and marketing year means the 12-month period ending on 
December 31 or such other period as recommended by the Board and 
approved by the Secretary.

0
3. Revise Sec.  1222.12 to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.12  Manufacture.

    Manufacture means the process of transforming pulp into paper and 
paper-based packaging.

0
4. Revise Sec.  1222.13 to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.13  Manufacturer.

    Manufacturer means any person who manufactures paper and paper-
based packaging in the United States.


Sec. Sec.  1222.19 through 1222.29  [Redesignated as Sec. Sec.  1222.20 
through 1222.30]

0
5. Redesignate Sec. Sec.  1222.19 through 1222.29 as Sec. Sec.  1222.20 
through 1222.30, respectively.

0
6. Add new Sec.  1222.19 to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.19  Partnership.

    Partnership includes, but is not limited to:
    (a) Spouses who have title to, or leasehold interest in, a paper 
and paper-based packaging manufacturing entity as tenants in common, 
joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, or, under community property 
laws, as community property; and
    (b) So called ``joint ventures'' wherein one or more parties to an 
agreement, informal or otherwise, contributed land, facilities, 
capital, labor, management, equipment, or other services, or any 
variation of such contributions by two or more parties, that results in 
the manufacturing or importation of paper and paper-based packaging and 
the authority to transfer title to the paper and paper-based packaging 
so manufactured or imported.

0
7. In Sec.  1222.41, revise paragraphs (c)(1), (4), (5), and (10) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  1222.41  Nominations and appointments.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) The Board shall issue a call for nominations and conduct 
outreach to all current manufacturers and importers who paid 
assessments during the prior fiscal year. Manufacturers and importers 
may submit nominations to the Board;
* * * * *
    (4) For domestic seats allocated by region, domestic manufacturers 
must manufacture paper and paper-based packaging in the region for 
which they seek nomination. Nominees that manufacture in both regions 
may seek nomination in one region of their choice;
    (5) Nominees that are both a manufacturer and an importer may seek 
nomination to the board either as a manufacturer or as an importer so 
long as they meet the qualifications;
* * * * *
    (10) No two members shall be employed by a single manufacturer or 
importer that pays assessments under this part; and,
* * * * *

0
8. In Sec.  1222.43, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.43  Removal and vacancies.

    (a) The Board may recommend to the Secretary that a member be 
removed from office if the member consistently fails or refuses to 
perform his or her duties properly or engages in dishonest acts or 
willful misconduct. If the Secretary determines that any person 
appointed under this subpart consistently fails or refuses to perform 
his or her duties properly or engages in acts of dishonesty or willful 
misconduct, the Secretary shall remove the person from office. A person 
appointed under this subpart may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
* * * * *

0
9. In Sec.  1222.44, revise paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.44  Procedure.

* * * * *
    (c) The Board and related committees may conduct meetings by any 
means of communication available, electronic or otherwise, that 
effectively assembles the required participants and facilitates open 
communication. Eligible participants may vote by any means of 
communication available, electronic or otherwise; provided that votes 
cast are verifiable and that a quorum and other procedural requirements 
are met.
    (d) In lieu of voting at an assembled meeting and, when in the 
opinion of the chairperson of the Board such action is considered 
necessary, the Board may take action if supported by a majority of 
members (unless a two-thirds majority is required under the Order) by 
any means of communication available, electronic or otherwise. In that 
event, all members must be notified and provided the opportunity to 
vote. Any action so taken shall have the same force and effect as 
though such action had been taken at an assembled meeting. All votes 
shall be recorded in Board minutes.
* * * * *

0
10. In Sec.  1222.47, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.47  Prohibited activities.

* * * * *
    (c) Any program, plan, or project including advertising that is 
false, misleading, or disparaging to another

[[Page 6783]]

agricultural commodity. Paper and paper-based packaging of all 
geographic origins shall be treated equally.

0
11. In Sec.  1222.50, revise paragraph (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.50  Budget and expenses.

* * * * *
    (i) The Board may establish an operating monetary reserve and may 
carry over to subsequent fiscal years excess funds in any reserve so 
established: Provided, that the funds in the reserve do not exceed two 
fiscal year's budget of expenses. Subject to approval by the Secretary, 
such reserve funds may be used to defray any expenses authorized under 
this subpart.
* * * * *

0
12. In Sec.  1222.51, revise paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.51  Financial statements.

* * * * *
    (b) Each quarterly financial statement shall be submitted to the 
Department no later than 70 calendar days after the period to which it 
applies.
    (c) The Board shall submit to the Department an audited annual 
financial statement no later than 120 calendar days after the end of 
the fiscal year to which it applies.

0
13. In Sec.  1222.52, revise paragraphs (e) introductory text and (f) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.52  Assessments.

* * * * *
    (e) Each importer of paper and paper-based packaging shall pay to 
the Board an assessment on the paper and paper-based packaging imported 
into the United States identified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of 
the United States (HTSUS) number listed in the following table. In the 
event that any HTSUS number subject to assessment is changed and such 
change is merely a replacement of a previous number and has no impact 
on the description of the paper and paper-based packaging involved, 
assessments will continue to be collected based on the new number.
* * * * *
    (f) Each importer is responsible for paying the assessment directly 
to the Board within 30 calendar days after the end of the quarter in 
which the paper and paper-based packaging was imported.
* * * * *

0
14. Sec.  1222.53, revise paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2)(iii), and (a)(5) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  1222.53  Exemption from assessment.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Manufacturers that manufacture less than 100,000 short tons of 
paper and paper-based packaging in a marketing year are exempt from 
paying assessments. Such manufacturers must apply to the Board, on a 
form provided by the Board, for a certificate of exemption. This is an 
annual exemption, and manufacturers must reapply each year. Such 
manufacturers shall certify that they will manufacture less than 
100,000 short tons of paper and paper-based packaging during the 
marketing year for which the exemption is claimed. Upon receipt of an 
application for exemption, the Board shall determine whether an 
exemption may be granted. The Board may request past manufacturing data 
to support the exemption request. The Board will issue, if deemed 
appropriate, a certificate of exemption to the eligible manufacturer. 
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to retain a copy of the 
certificate of exemption.
    (2) * * *
    (iii) The Board shall refund to such importers considered exempt 
assessments that the importer paid to the Board no later than 60 
calendar days after the Board receives such assessments. The Board will 
stop refund of assessments to such importers who during the marketing 
year import more than 100,000 short tons of paper and paper-based 
packaging. These importers will be notified accordingly. No interest 
shall be paid on the assessments collected by the Board.
* * * * *
    (5) In calculating whether a manufacturer or importer qualifies for 
an exemption, the combined quantity of all paper and paper-based 
packaging manufactured or imported by the manufacturer or importer 
during a marketing year shall count towards the 100,000 short-ton 
exemption.
* * * * *

0
15. In Sec.  1222.81, revise paragraph (b)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.81  Referenda.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Not later than seven years after the Order becomes effective 
and every seven years thereafter, to determine whether manufacturers 
and importers favor the continuation of the Order. The Order shall 
continue if it is favored by a majority of manufacturers and importers 
voting in the referendum who, during a representative period determined 
by the Secretary, are each an eligible domestic manufacturer or an 
eligible importer and who also represent a majority of the volume of 
paper and paper-based packaging represented in the referendum;
* * * * *

0
16. In Sec.  1222.82, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.82  Suspension or termination.

* * * * *
    (b) The Secretary shall suspend or terminate this subpart at the 
end of the fiscal year whenever the Secretary determines that its 
suspension or termination is favored by a majority of manufacturers and 
importers voting in the referendum who, during a representative period 
determined by the Secretary, are each an eligible domestic manufacturer 
or an eligible importer and who also represent a majority of the volume 
of paper and paper-based packaging represented in the referendum.
* * * * *

0
17. In Sec.  1222.101, revise paragraphs (e) and (i) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1222.101  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (e) Eligible domestic manufacturer means any person who is 
currently a domestic manufacturer and who manufactured 100,000 short 
tons or more of paper and paper-based packaging during the 
representative period.
* * * * *
    (i) Manufacture means the process of transforming pulp into paper 
and paper-based packaging.
* * * * *

0
18. In Sec.  1222.102, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.102  Voting.

    (a) Each eligible domestic manufacturer and importer of paper and 
paper-based packaging shall be entitled to cast only one ballot in the 
referendum. However, each domestic manufacturer in a landlord/tenant 
relationship or a divided ownership arrangement involving totally 
independent entities cooperating only to manufacture paper and paper-
based packaging, in which more than one of the parties is a domestic 
manufacturer or importer, shall be entitled to cast one ballot in the 
referendum covering only such domestic manufacturer or importer's share 
of ownership.
* * * * *

Erin Morris,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-01375 Filed 1-17-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P`