Key vote for Michigan dry bean farmers

By Andi Anderson

Michigan dry bean producers will soon have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue the Michigan Bean Commission's research, development, and promotion program.

The referendum, conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), will take place from September 9 to September 20, 2024. This vote will determine if the commission’s activities will continue for another five years.

Ballots will be mailed to eligible dry bean producers on September 3, 2024. Those who do not receive a ballot or have questions about the voting process can contact MDARD toll-free at 800-292-3939.

To be eligible to vote, producers must have grown dry beans for sale in at least one of the last three years. Each producer, whether an individual, partnership, or corporation, is entitled to one vote in this referendum.

The Michigan Bean Commission was established to enhance the economic position of the state's dry bean producers.

The commission’s activities were last approved by producers in 2019, and by law, the program must be resubmitted for approval every five years. Currently, producers contribute an assessment of $0.10 per hundredweight to fund the commission’s initiatives.

For the continuation of the commission and its activities, more than 50% of the votes cast, representing more than 50% of the total hundredweight on the ballots, must be in favor. The results of the referendum will determine whether the commission will continue its work to support Michigan’s dry bean industry.

Producers are encouraged to complete, sign, and postmark their ballots by September 20, 2024, to ensure their votes are counted. Ballots should be sent to MDARD’s Executive Office at P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909.

This referendum offers Michigan dry bean producers a critical opportunity to influence the future of their industry by deciding on the continuation of important research, development, and promotional activities that benefit their livelihoods and the state’s agricultural economy.

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