August 4, 2000

Referendum on
pork checkoff program due

USDA has announced final procedures and rules for the upcoming referendum on continuation of the pork checkoff program.

The pork checkoff program is funded by assessments collected from producers when hogs are sold. The funds are used for pork promotion, research and consumer information.

The final referendum rules provide for in-person voting Sept. 19-21 at Farm Service Agency county offices and absentee voting Aug. 18-21. Absentee ballots may be requested beginning Aug. 1 and will be available Aug. 18.

Importers will vote by mail Aug. 18-Sept. 21 and may request mail ballots from the FSA headquarter office in Washington beginning Aug. 1. However, importer mail ballots will not be available until Aug. 18.

Producers who have owned and sold one or more pigs or hogs at any time from Aug. 18, 1999, through Aug. 17, 2000, are eligible to vote, as are those who imported pigs, hogs, pork, or pork products during this period.