For immediate release: April 10, 2018 Media Contact: Jessy Sielski, 517-284-5725 Program Contact: Elizabeth Weier, 517-284-5730

LANSING – Michigan asparagus producers will have an opportunity to vote on whether to continue the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program in a referendum conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), beginning Monday, April 9, through Friday, April 20, 2018.

Ballots will be mailed by MDARD to Michigan asparagus producers.  Eligible producers with questions, or those not receiving a ballot, should contact MDARD toll-free at 800-292-3939.

The program established the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, which is a public body independent of MDARD. It is comprised of nine asparagus producers appointed by the Governor. MDARD Director Gordon Wenk is a non-voting ex-officio member.

The program was last approved in 2013 and, by law, must be renewed every five years. Currently, Michigan asparagus is assessed at a rate of 1-3/4 cents ($.0175) per pound.

For the program to be renewed, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total pounds of asparagus represented on the cast ballots, must approve it.

For the purpose of this referendum, each producer, partnership, or corporation is entitled to one vote. All ballots must be filled out completely, signed, and postmarked by April 20, 2018 and should be sent to MDARD, Executive Office, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909.

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