NC Christmas Tree Growers Disappointed that Checkoff Program Pulled

NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxer says that NC's Christmas tree season is in full swing with not only live, cut trees available at farmers' markets and roadside stands, but also choose and cut farms are open for business across the state.

Recently, USDA cancelled plans to have a referendum on a Christmas tree grower checkoff program due to negative publicity calling the .15 cents per tree assesment a 'tax'.  Mr. Troxler says that this was all a misunderstanding and the North Carolina growers were in favor of a checkoff program to  educate the public about real trees, as well as enhancing marketing efforts against the artificial market. 

More Stories with Steve Troxler, North Carolina Commissoner of Agriculture