Michigan’s potato assessment cap to rise following tabulation error

A tabulation error means that Michigan’s potato assessment cap will be raised after all.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) notified the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) on April 4 that an error was found in the tabulation process for commercial potato acreage in Michigan during a recent vote regarding the assessment cap limit. While MDARD’s original tabulation showed more than 50% of the total votes in favor of raising the assessment cap, the acreage represented by those votes was less than 50%.

State law requires both votes and acreage be above 50%.

After reverifying, MDARD reported that both the vote tally and acreage are above the necessary 50%, meaning the cap assessment will be raised to 9.5 cents per cwt from the current 5.5 cents. The final tally was 10 votes in favor, seven against. The acreage was 70% in favor, and 30% against.

The result does not affect shippers. The ballots were cast Feb. 3-14 with the original result reported in mid-March.

“We appreciate MDARD’s careful review and acknowledgment of the original counting error,” Kelly Turner, MPIC executive director, said in a statement. “With the corrected vote confirming the approval to increase the assessment cap, we recognize the responsibility that comes with that outcome.

“Our industry is navigating significant economic turbulence, and as a commission, we are committed to ensuring that every dollar is used wisely. We will continue to operate under strict fiscal standards and remain focused on delivering value to Michigan’s potato growers.”

The Michigan potato industry, along with national promotion board Potatoes USA, uses assessment funds to support research and other checkoff program efforts to increase potato consumption and to address industry challenges.