Hakim Fobia (202)690-0488Hakim.fobia@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, March 24, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that Washington potato growers will vote from June 11 through June 24, 2011, on whether to continue their federal marketing order.
The marketing order requires that a continuance referendum is held every six years. To be eligible to vote, growers must have produced potatoes in Washington during the period July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010.
“Marketing orders help maintain the quality of produce on the market,” said Administrator Rayne Pegg, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Termination would be considered if less than two-thirds of growers, by number and production volume, favor continuance. Notice of the referendum was published in the March 23, 2011, Federal Register.
AMS will mail ballots and voting instructions to all growers of record. Eligible growers not receiving ballots may request them in writing from Gary D. Olson, USDA, AMS, 805 SW Broadway, Suite 930, Portland OR 97205; by calling (503) 362-2724; or faxing (503) 326-7440.
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