Apr 11, 2013

Michigan growers renew promotion program

Michigan apple producers recently voted to continue the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program, according to Jamie Clover Adams, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

The Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program was designed to improve the economic position of Michigan apple growers by developing advertising, promotion and publicity programs to create new markets for apples and/or apple products and to carry on market development and research. The program was last approved in 2008 and, by law, must be renewed every five years.

The program will continue for an additional five years, beginning Sept. 1, 2013 and ending Aug. 31, 2018, according to MDARD.

A total of 145 valid ballots were cast in the referendum: 124 producers voted yes (86 percent), representing 1,887,643.44 cwt. of apples (88 percent); 21 producers voted no (14 percent), representing 263,994.27 cwt. of apples (12 percent).

For the program to be renewed or the amendment passed, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total number of bushels represented on the cast ballots, must have approved it, according to MDARD.