May 8, 2018Michigan apple growers continue advertising program
Michigan apple producers recently approved a referendum to continue their advertising and promotion program
A total of 113 ballots were cast in the referendum, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Of those ballots, 85 producers voted yes (75 percent), representing 15,772,156 bushels (87 percent of the production represented) and 28 producers voted no (25 percent) representing 2,303,286 pounds (13 percent of the production represented). For renewal of the program and its activities, more than 50 percent of the voting producers, representing more than 50 percent of the production of those voting, must have approved it.
The program will continue for an additional five years beginning September 1, 2018, and ending August 31, 2023. The current assessment rates are $0.52 per hundredweight of fresh apples, $0.28 for apples sold for processing, and $0.11 for apples sold for juice. Included are a $.04 per hundredweight for research and up to $.03 per hundredweight for the promotion of U.S. apples with the United States Apple Association.
Established in July 1968, the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program was developed to enhance the economic position of Michigan apple producers through advertising, promotion and publicity programs; to conduct market development and research; and to obtain and disseminate other apple industry information important to producers.
The program is a public body independent of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. It is comprised of seven apple producers appointed by the Governor. The MDARD Director and a person appointed by the Dean of the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources are non-voting ex-officio members. The board is responsible for the implementation of the program.