Mar 30, 2012

Michigan cherry producers approve continuation referendum

Michigan’s cherry producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Cherry Promotion and Development Program.

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

It will continue for an additional five years beginning July 1. 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 130 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. Of those, 114 producers voted yes (88 percent) representing 99 million pounds of cherries (91 percent of the production volume represented) and 16 producers voted no (12 percent) representing 8 million pounds (12 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 vote to approve.