Michigan asparagus growers approve continuation referendum

Michigan’s asparagus producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program.

The referendum was held March 6-17, according to a news release.

Established in June 1978, the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program was designed to improve the economic position of Michigan asparagus growers by supporting research and market development efforts, the release said.

The program will continue for an additional five years, beginning June 8, 2023, and ending June 7, 2028. The current assessment is at a rate of 1.5 cents per pound, the release said.

A total of 40 valid ballots were cast in the referendum, according to the release. Of those, 37 producers voted yes (93%) representing 14,158,213 pounds of asparagus (97%) and 3 producers voted no (7%) representing 426,049 pounds (3%).

For renewal of the program and its activities, more than 50% of the voting producers, representing more than 50% of the production of those voting, must approve it.

Information on the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board is available at www.michiganasparagus.org.