History and Management of the 
National Poultry Improvement Plan 
The National Poultry Improvement Plan became operative July 1, 1935, and the 
National Turkey Improvement Plan was activated on September 25, 1943, with the 
approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. On December 3, 1971, the two Plans were 
combined under one title, “The National Poultry Improvement Plan,” with separate 
provisions applicable to the different types of poultry. 
The Plan operates through an appropriation from Congress to the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) to be used in cooperation with the State authorities in the adminis- 
tration of regulations for the improvement of poultry, poultry products, and hatcheries. 
Authority for the administration of the Plan is now contained in the Department of 
Agriculture Organic Act of 1944, as amended (7 U.S.C. 429). 
Provisions of the Plan are changed from time to time to conform with the development 
of the industry and with new information as it becomes available. These changes are 
based on recommendations made at the biennial national Plan conferences by official 
delegates representing participating breeders, hatcheries, and flock owners from all 
cooperating States. Current provisions of the Plan are contained in a publication titled 
“The National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions.” The publication 
(APHIS 91-55-021) is available from Official State Agencies or on request to the 
National Poultry Improvement Plan, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA, 1500 Klondike Road, Suite A-102, Conyers, GA 
30207-5115. 
