 By a vote of 1,137 to 317, they passed a referendum March 28 to
raise the rate by one-fourth cent per bushel. The outcome of the
referendum was announced this week after the Illinois Department of
Agriculture completed its review of the ballots and certified the
statewide vote total.
The Illinois Corn Marketing Board requested the referendum. The
measure won approval in 71 of Illinois’ 102 counties and was
supported on 78 percent of the ballots cast. That means the current
three-eighths-cent checkoff rate will increase to five-eighths of a
cent per bushel, effective Oct. 1. If they choose, however, corn
farmers still have the right to receive a full refund.
The ICMB, a volunteer board of corn farmers elected by their
peers, administers the checkoff fund. Members invest the proceeds in
market development, research, education and promotion programs
designed to enhance the profitability of Illinois corn farmers.
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Agriculture file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
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