North Carolina corn growers voted last month to continue the check-off program that supports research and marketing efforts for their crop.
Eighty-eight percent of voting growers approved the measure, which will continue an assessment of 3/4 cent per bushel of all corn marketed in North Carolina. The assessment will be in effect for six years beginning with the upcoming harvest season.
The assessment will be collected by grain dealers who purchase corn directly from farmers. The money will be remitted to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which will forward the proceeds to the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina. The association administers the assessment program.
All farmers currently engaged in the production of corn, including tenants, sharecroppers or other persons sharing in the production of corn or income from corn, were eligible to vote. A two-thirds favorable vote was required to carry the referendum as authorized by Article 50 in Chapter 106 of the N.C. General Statutes.