The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced on Apr. 7 that wheat producers in the state have voted to continue the Michigan Wheat Program for another five years.
The decision means the program, which supports profitable production, marketing, and utilization of wheat for Michigan farmers, will operate from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2031. The outcome reflects ongoing support among growers for coordinated efforts in research, education, and market development.
According to MDARD, a referendum held between February 9 and February 20 resulted in a total of 685 ballots cast. Of the valid ballots counted, 514 producers (82 percent) representing over eight million bushels voted in favor of continuing the program. In contrast, 109 producers (18 percent) representing about two million bushels opposed it. The current assessment rate remains at one half of one percent (0.5%) of the value of wheat sold by participating farmers.
The Michigan Wheat Program is funded entirely by assessments paid by wheat farmers rather than taxpayer dollars. Its activities are authorized under the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act (P.A. 232 of 1965), which requires such programs to be reapproved every five years by more than half of voting commodity producers whose output represents more than half the commodity’s volume produced statewide.
MDARD plays a role in preserving the environment to support farming communities that supply consumer needs according to its official website. The department safeguards a food and agriculture system valued at nearly $126 billion according to its official website and focuses on fostering economic growth while protecting public health and animal welfare according to its official website. It also enforces laws related to weights and measures and oversees commodity boards according to its official website.
Established by referendum in June 2011 with subsequent approvals in both 2016 and 2021 as well as this year’s vote, the Michigan Wheat Program continues as part of broader efforts managed by MDARD—which extends across Michigan’s food system—to advance innovation while supporting environmental preservation for farming communities according to its official website.
