LANSING — Michigan corn producers have voted to continue the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) – the state’s corn check-off program – for another five years.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted the referendum early this year. For the program to continue, the referendum had to pass by both the majority of corn farmers and the majority of corn production voted. The referendum passed with 81% of farmers voting in favor representing 83% of the production voted.
“We’re pleased that Michigan’s corn growers have voted so overwhelmingly to continue the program,” said Tom Durand, president of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. “The work of the check-off program is more important than ever as we’re facing low corn prices and other tough challenges in the farm economy. We will continue to work hard on behalf of Michigan’s growers by investing in market development activities, educational programs and research that will improve the economic position of Michigan’s farm families.”
The CMPM was created under the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, Public Act 232 of 1965. This law allows for the establishment of check-off programs, like the CMPM, for commodities grown in Michigan and sold. The CMPM must be renewed by a vote of all Michigan corn farmers every five years.
Headquartered in Lansing, the CMPM is a farmer-funded, legislatively-established, statewide program that invests in research, education and market development to enhance the economic position of Michigan corn farmers. For more information, visit the Michigan Corn website at www.micorn.org.
— Corn Marketing Program of Michigan
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