LANSING, Mich. — Michigan wheat producers have approved a referendum to establish the Michigan Wheat Program.
Voting results
Of the 1,374 valid ballots received, 747 producers voted yes (54 percent) representing 6,107,731.47 bushels (54 percent) and 627 producers voted no (46 percent) representing 5,243,187.27 bushels (46 percent).
For the program to be adopted, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast and more than 50 percent of the total production amount represented on the cast ballots, must approve the proposal.
The referendum was conducted from June 20 to July 1, 2011.
“The Michigan Wheat Program is aimed at promoting the profitable production, marketing, and utilization of wheat on behalf of Michigan producers,” said Keith Creagh, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Director. “It will emphasize advancements in wheat research, education, information delivery, market development, and foster industry-wide collaboration.”
Wheat assessments
The Michigan Wheat Program will be administered by a committee of nine members appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder, eight of whom are Michigan wheat producers and one industry representative, and fully funded by assessments on bushels of wheat.
The Michigan Wheat Program calls for a maximum assessment of up to one half of one percent (.5 percent) of the value of the wheat sold. The assessment rate would be set annually by the committee.
