"WASHINGTON -- A controversial plan to promote U.S. hardwood lumber is now sawdust, at least for the time being.

Following a fierce and extended debate, the Agriculture Department on Wednesday formally unplugged the proposal for a new industry-funded program touting the nation’s hardwood lumber and plywood.

The decision is a blow to North Carolina-based Columbia Forest Products, Georgia-based Atlanta Hardwood Corp. and other firms whose executives have long sought a research and promotion program similar to the ones serving the milk, beef and cotton industries, among others."

Michael Doyle reports for McClatchy October 28, 2015. [2]