Mar 27, 2007

Michigan Cherry Producers Vote To Continue Promotion Program

Michigan’s cherry producers approved a referendum March 13 to continue the Michigan Cherry Promotion and Development Program, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Established in May 1972, the Michigan Cherry Promotion and Development Program was developed to improve the economic position of the state’s cherry producers by creating greater marketing opportunities for Michigan cherries.

It will continue for an additional five years beginning July 1, 2007. The current program assessment is $10 per ton for sweet or tart cherries and $5 per ton for cherries sold for juice.

A total of 226 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. Of those, 184 producers voted yes (84 percent), representing 120.2 million pounds of cherries (86 percent of the production volume represented). Thirty-six producers voted no (16 percent), representing 19 million pounds (14 percent).

More than 50 percent of the voting producers – representing more than 50 percent of the pounds sold by those voting – must vote yes to renew the program.