Apr 16, 2007Michigan Onion Producers Approve Continuation Referendum
Michigan’s onion producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program.
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 will continue for an additional five years beginning Sept. 1. The current program assessment is 6 cents per cwt. of Michigan onions.
A total of 15 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. Of those, 14 producers voted yes (93 percent), representing 655,405 cwt. (99 percent of the production volume represented), and 1 producer voted no (7 percent) representing 4,901 cwt. (1 percent).
For renewal, more than 50 percent of the voting producers, representing more than 50 percent of the pounds sold by those voting, must approve the program.