January 24, 2008

LANSING - Michigan corn producers will have an opportunity to vote on whether to continue the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan in a referendum conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) beginning Monday, January 28, 2008, through Friday, February 8, 2008.

Ballots will be mailed by MDA to corn producers on Friday, January 25, 2008. Eligible producers with questions, or those not receiving a ballot, should contact MDA toll-free at 800-292-3939.

The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan was designed to increase the utilization of Michigan corn through market development, education, and research. The program was last approved in 2003 and, by law, must be renewed every five years. Currently, the assessment is one cent ($.01) per bushel.

For the program to be renewed, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total number of bushels 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 February 8, 2008 and should be sent to MDA, Executive Office, P.O. Box 30017,
Lansing, MI 48909.