Producers Urged to Vote in Wheat Assessment Referendum

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Wheat producers in 32 Colorado counties are invited to vote on whether to re-approve an increase in the wheat assessment through the Colorado Wheat Marketing Order.

In 2007 wheat producers approved an amendment to increase the assessment from one cent per bushel to two cents per bushel, subject to re-approval by July 1, 2014. This referendum would permanently continue the current maximum rate of two cents per bushel, with at least 50 percent of collected assessments allocated to wheat research. The assessment will continue to be fully refundable if requested by a producer.

“If you are a wheat producer, please express your opinion by voting on this important issue,” said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner, John Salazar. “This is your marketing order and the decision on an assessment increase should be made by those who will be most affected, Colorado’s wheat producers.”

In 1958 wheat growers created the Wheat Marketing Order to establish and expand their markets as well as create and maintain wheat as a viable crop in Colorado.

The referendum affects all wheat growers in the 32 counties defined in the marketing order: Adams, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Boulder, Cheyenne, Crowley, Custer, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Larimer, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Moffat, Otero, Phillips, Prowers, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Routt, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma.

A letter and ballot is being sent to wheat growers who are qualified to vote. Completed ballots must be postmarked no later than March 21, 2014. The proposed amendment must be approved by a simple majority of wheat producers voting “yes” on the referendum to become effective.  For questions please contact Casey Palmer with the Colorado Department of Agriculture at (303) 239-4100 or e-mail casey.palmer@state.co.us.