Michigan's corn producers have voted down a proposed increase to the assessment they pay to support activities for the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan.
The proposed amendments would have increased the assessment rate on Michigan grown corn from one cent per bushel to one and one half cents per bushel; required seed corn to be included in the assessment process; and included revisions to the nominations process and grammatical updates.
Under the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act (Public Act 232 of 1965) when a sufficient number of producers request changes to a marketing program, the MDARD Director conducts a hearing. If there is enough support, the department conducts the election so growers of the commodity can decide on whether to move forward.
Michigan corn producers turned down the proposed assessment increase to the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan in a referendum held in February, 2016.