08/14/2024, 18:24
8.14.24
Good afternoon,
I wanted to update everyone on this petition with the latest findings that I have learned through conversations with the good people at MDARD.
I learned that the barrier for signatures is much less than what I initially thought. I was under the impression that we needed 51% of wine grape growers to sign. That is actually too many. This 51% actually is what is needed for the referendum to pass when that time comes. We actually need 25% of commercial wine grape growers to sign to move the petition forward to the state, which will trigger the referendum. As of a study from 2020 that explored farmers, acreage and varieties being grown in Michigan, the number that was determined for Michigan farmers was 257.
www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Michigan/Publications/Michigan_Rotational_Surveys/mi_fruit20/Grapes%20hops.pdf
Using this number and the 25% formula, we need 64.25 signatures to move forward. We have 68 today. The petition moves forward to be vetted and, if so, confirmed by the state of Michigan.
In the spirit of transparency, I have added my email correspondence with MDARD to the "reason" section of this petition.
It will be if the utmost importance for all commercial wine grape growers in Michigan to continue their engagement and let their voice be heard. The signatures are highly valued and welcome, but for those in favor, the real work begins upon state approval. Whether you are in favor of or oppose a check off program, our wine grape growers need to have an in-depth and pragmatic conversation about it. The Michigan Wine Collaborative is willing to provide the zoom space to have these conversations. I propose 9/4 at 10am to be the date and time for wine grape growers to join us for this conversation.
Please feel free to reach out to me with questions or concerns. I will do my best to answer or find the answer to each topic.
Thank you for your interest in moving the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry forward.
Sincerely,
Brian Lillie
President, Michigan Wine Collaborative
08/14/2024, 17:43
As we continue to learn more of the process, one items that we are adjusting is that the requirement for moving the petition piece forward is 25% of commercial commodity growers. I have posted the correspondence with MDARD under the reason section.
Based on numbers confirmed by the state of MIchigan in 2020, we have a total of 257 commercial wine grape growers in Michigan. 25% of this number would be 64.25 signatures. As a result of this new information, this petition is at 68 signatures at the time of this writing and can move forward in the process.
Neue Begründung:
The program shall be focused primarily on funding for research, education and promotion to improve and support Michigan wine grape and wine production and consumer awareness. Petition to be signed only by those Michigan wine grape growers who grow or cause to be grown more than 3 tons of grapes for the production of wine for commercial use in any one of the last three years.
The petition is only to say they are interested in exploring the possibility of a 232 checkoff program. It is in the verbage at the top of the petition. Signing the petition will NOT put a 232 program in place. There are additional steps for that to happen. If / when sufficient signatures are obtained the next step is a committee of growers appointed by the Governor to explore what the assessment would entail. That would involve the committee putting together some ideas with input from the grower community and then having public meetings in the NW, SW and possibly another meeting to represent other areas of the state with vineyards to seek input and discussion among the growers. If there seems to be support from growers the next step is a statewide referendum by all wine grape growers to approve the program. If approved, this process continues with review / renewal or not every 5 years. Currently, there is no unified grower group that represents grape growers for the entire state. Importantly, the 232 funds give growers a seat at the table with MDARD and with MSU / Project GREEEN.
UPDATE:From: Deacon, Brad (MDARD) <deaconb9@michigan.gov>Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 8:19 AMTo: Brian Lillie <BLillie@chateauchantal.com>Cc: Guardiola, Jamie (MDARD) <GuardiolaJ1@michigan.gov>Subject: RE: Public Act 232 for Wine Grapes
Brian – that’s correct, though there are some other nuances, importantly the definition of producer:"Producer" means a person engaged in the business of producing, or causing to be produced for any market, an agricultural commodity or agricultural commodity input in quantity beyond that person's own family use, and having a value at first point of sale of more than $800.00 or of an amount as otherwise expressly provided for in a marketing program for the agricultural commodity or agricultural commodity input in any 1 growing and marketing season within the last 3 years.So, someone who is growing but not enough to meet the definition would not be assessed or be eligible to vote on the program. Relatedly, the petition could further limit who would be part of the proposal. One of the challenges starting a check-off is trying to figure out how many producers there are and how to ensure they get notice and are able to participate in the process. Happy to discuss further.Also, I’ve attached an overview document for starting a program under PA 232. Brad DeaconDirector, Office of Legal Affairs& Emergency ManagementMichigan Department of Agricultureand Rural Development From: Brian Lillie <BLillie@chateauchantal.com>Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 7:32 AMTo: Guardiola, Jamie (MDARD) <GuardiolaJ1@michigan.gov>; Deacon, Brad (MDARD) <deaconb9@michigan.gov>Subject: Public Act 232 for Wine Grapes
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov Good morning,
I hope this note finds you well.
We are in process of exploring a check-off program for our industry. I want to confirm my reading of the statute PA 232. My interpretation is that I need signatures from 25% of the total wine grape growers for the petition piece and the 51% of growers representing 51% of acreage grown in commercial production for approval for the referendum piece.
Thanks for any insight that you may be able to offer.
Brian LillieVice President of Hospitality Operations and DistributionThe Award Winning Chateau Chantal WineryPresidentMichigan Wine Collaborative
New deadline: 27.09.2024
Signatures at the time of the change: 68
