LANSING, Mich. — A referendum to determine whether to establish a Michigan Wheat Program will be conducted from June 20 through July 1 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).
Program
The proposed program would 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 proposed program calls for a maximum assessment of up to one half of one percent of the value of the wheat sold.
Forms
Official Wheat Referendum Return Forms will be mailed to Michigan wheat producers of record June 17.
For this program, eligible producers are those who have produced any market wheat in quantity beyond that person’s own family use, and who have a value at first point-of-sale of more than $800 in any one growing season within the last three years.
All Official Wheat Referendum Return Forms must be postmarked no later than July 1.
For the program to be adopted, more than 50 percent of the votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total bushels voted, must approve the proposal.
Eligible producers not receiving an Official Wheat Referendum Return Form after June 20 should contact MDARD at P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909, or call 800-292-3939.
Eligible producers may also request an Official Wheat Referendum Form by sending an email to merrilld@michigan.gov.
