In a unanimous vote, Michigan’s onion producers approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program, according to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams.

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 marketing opportunities for Michigan onions. By law, the program must be renewed every five years.

The Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program will continue for an additional five years beginning Sept. 1. The current program assessment rate is 6 cents per hundredweight of onions.

A total of 10 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. All 10 producers voted yes (100%) representing 364,099 pounds of onions (100% of the production volume represented).

For renewal of the program and its activities, more than 50% of the voting producers, representing more than 50% of the pounds sold by those voting, must have approved it.

Source: MDARD