First Michigan blueberry checkoff renewal vote underway

The Michigan Blueberry Research and Education Program is up for its first renewal vote as a state checkoff.

Established in 2017 to increase blueberry research and competitiveness, the program currently assesses growers up to three-tenths of a cent per pound of blueberries sold. 

Past research projects have focused on pest management, additional fruit inventory and labor surveys, and expanded research plantings.

More than 50 percent of the votes cast by growers, representing more than 50 percent of the total pounds represented on the cast ballots, must approve it by March 11th for it to continue.

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