Aug 15, 2017

Michigan onion growers vote to continue development program

Michigan’s onion producers have unanimously approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program.

Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, announced the results of the vote. A total of 10 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. The 10 onion growers, representing 364,099 pounds of production volume, voted yes.

Established in September 1977, the Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program was developed to improve the economic position of the state’s onion producers by creating greater marketing opportunities for Michigan onions. The program is supported by a tax assessment, and by law the program must be renewed every five years.

The Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program will continue for an additional five years ending September 1, 2022. The current program assessment rate is $.06 per hundredweight of onions.

For renewal of the program and its activities, more than 50 percent of the voting producers, representing more than 50 percent of the pounds sold by those voting, must have approved it.