Apr 25, 2022

Michigan onion producers to vote on program continuation, amendments

Michigan’s onion producers will have an opportunity to vote on the continuation of the Onion Promotion and Development Program for an additional five years and on proposed changes to the program. The referendum, conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will be conducted between May 2, 2022, through May 13, 2022.

Ballots were mailed by MDARD to onion producers on April 25. Producers are eligible to vote if they produced onions valued at more than $800 at first point-of-sale in any of the last three years.

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 was established in September,1977. By law, it must be resubmitted for grower approval every five years. Currently, the assessment is $.06 per hundredweight of onions.

For the program to be renewed, more than 50% of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50% of the total unit of measure represented on the cast ballots, must approve it.

For the purpose of this referendum, each producer is entitled to one vote representing a single firm, individual proprietorship, corporation, company, association, partnership, or a husband-wife or family ownership. All ballots must be filled out completely, signed and postmarked by May 13, and should be sent to MDARD, Executive Office, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909.

Eligible producers with questions or those who have not received a ballot should contact MDARD toll-free at 800-292-3939 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.