The USDA announced the results of the referendum of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program today. Over 76 percent of the growers who voted in the referendum supported the continuation of the checkoff. USDA conducted the Sorghum Checkoff referendum in February.
“That is a significant margin of approval,” according to Jere White, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association executive director. “In the short time it has existed, USCP has made great strides not only in research, but also building markets for sorghum growers. I think growers recognized the need for the sorghum checkoff and voted accordingly.”
KGSPA has been active in USCP since its creation in 2008.
“We look forward to a continued relationship with the Sorghum Checkoff,” White said. “With the referendum completed, the Checkoff can continue its work in increasing productivity in sorghum and creating a strong marketplace for the crop.”
The Sorghum Checkoff was established under the Commodity Research, Promotion and Information Act of 1996, and according to USDA Act and Order, was required to hold a referendum within three years of beginning operations. Sorghum farmers who paid an assessment had an opportunity to vote through their local FSA office Feb. 1-28, 2011, to determine the future of the checkoff. The official USDA press release can be found at ams.usda.gov.
