LANSING — Michigan wheat producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Wheat Program, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell announced today.

The purpose of the program is to promote the profitable production, marketing, and utilization of wheat on behalf of Michigan farmers. The program emphasizes advancements in wheat research, education, information delivery, market development, and industry-wide collaboration. Funding for this program comes from the farmers themselves who grow the commodity; funds go directly to the Michigan Wheat Program and are not taxpayer dollars.

The Michigan Wheat Program will continue for an additional five years, beginning Sept. 1, and ending Aug. 31, 2026. The current assessment rate is one half of 1% (.5%) of value of wheat sold.

A total of 896 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. Of the 896 valid ballots, 766 producers voted yes (85%) representing 12,557,702 bushels (91%) and 130 producers voted no (15%) representing 1,249,699 (9%). For the program to be renewed, more than 50% of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50% of the total number of bushels represented on the cast ballots, must approve it.

The program was established Sept. 1, 2011, and by law, must be renewed every five years.