USDA finalizes procedures for sorghum referendum

By Community Member | March 29, 2015 9:08 pm

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing procedures for the upcoming referendum regarding the continuation of the Sorghum Checkoff Program.

The Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order requires that a referendum be conducted no later than seven years after the start of assessments, which began on July 1, 2008. For the program to continue, a majority of those voting must favor continuation of the order.

USDA will conduct the referendum beginning Mar. 23 and conclude on Apr. 21 at county USDA Farm Service Agency offices. Ballots may be obtained in person, by mail, or facsimile at county FSA offices or the Internet.

Any eligible person engaged in production or importation of sorghum from Jan. 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2014 is eligible to participate. Individuals are required to provide documentation such as a sales receipt or remittance form that shows they engaged in the production or importation of sorghum.

For more information, contact Craig Shackelford at (470) 315-4246 or by email at craig.shackelford@ams.usda.gov. Procedures and additional information may be obtained on the website at www.ams.usda.gov/SorghumReferendum.