Michigan's onion producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program and implement the proposed changes presented by the Michigan Onion Committee, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell announced Tuesday.
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 opportunities for Michigan onions. By law, the program must be renewed every five years.
A total of seven valid ballots were cast. Each producer voted on two questions. One question was for continuation of the Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program for an additional five years beginning Sept. 1 and ending August 31, 2027. The second question was regarding proposed changes to the program.
All seven producers voted yes unanimously on question one (100 percent) representing 347,384 hundredweight of production (100 percent). On question two, six producers voted yes (86 percent) representing 346,876 hundredweight of production (99 percent) and one voted no (14 percent) representing 538 hundredweight of production (one percent).
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.
For more information on the Michigan Onion Committee, visit them online at http://michiganonion.com/.
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables