MDARD For immediate release: April 12, 2021 LANSING, MI - Michigan wheat producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Wheat Program, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell announced today. The purpose of the program is to promote the profitable production, marketing, and utilization of wheat on behalf of Michigan farmers. The program emphasizes advancements in wheat research, education, information delivery, market development, and industry-wide collaboration. Funding for this program comes from the farmers themselves who grow the commodity; funds go directly to the Michigan Wheat Program and are not taxpayer dollars. The Michigan Wheat Program will continue for an additional five years, beginning September 1, 2021, and ending August 31, 2026. The current assessment rate is one half of one percent (.5%) of value of wheat sold.