Apr 25, 2019

Michigan carrot growers continue marketing program, approve rate increase

Michigan carrot producers have voted to continue the Michigan Carrot Industry Development Program, and to increase the assessment maximum on processed carrots to fifty cents ($.50) per ton from forty cents ($.40) per ton. The program will continue for an additional five years, ending July 7, 2024. The referendum was administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

A total of six ballots were cast in the referendum. Five producers voted yes to continue the Michigan Carrot Industry Development program, representing 95% of the pounds; and one producer voted no, representing 5% of the pounds. On the second question, whether to raise the maximum assessment on processed carrots, four producers voted yes to increase the processed carrots assessment to fifty cents ($.50), representing 91% of the pounds; and two producers voted no, representing 9% of the pounds. For the program to have been renewed and assessments to be changed, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total unit of measure represented on the cast ballots, must have approved it.

The Michigan Carrot Industry Development Program was designed to improve the economic position of the state’s carrot producers by supporting and creating greater marketing opportunities through crop and market information, advertising, promotion and research. The program was established in September 1998, with assessment collection beginning in July 1999. By law, it must be resubmitted for grower approval every five years.