2016 and 2021 Referenda

The Michigan Wheat Program is pleased to announce that the 2021 continuation referendum vote by Michigan wheat farmers was passed by an overwhelming margin. Eighty Five percent of growers voting in the referendum, representing 91 percent of the production volume of growers voting supported continuing the program. This was the second continuation vote held for the Michigan Wheat Program, which is now authorized through August 2026.

In 2016, the Michigan Wheat Program referendum vote by Michigan wheat farmers was also passed by an overwhelming margin. Eighty percent of growers voting in the referendum, representing 81 percent of the production volume of growers voting supported continuing the program in this first continuation vote.

The wheat check-off was initially voted in by Michigan growers in the summer of 2011. At that time the program was approved by 54 percent of both the popular vote and production voted.

Because the Michigan Wheat Program is established under PA 232, the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, it must go back to a vote of wheat farmers every five years, so they can determine if they want the program to continue