12/10/08 Request for Referendum on Pork Checkoff underway

Washington Ag December 10, 2008 The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service this week began conducting a Request for Referendum among eligible producers and importers of hogs and pork to determine if they want a referendum on the Pork Checkoff. Jimmy Paine of the AMS says only individuals who desire a referendum be held should participate. Paine: "That's correct. If you want a referendum you would participate in this action. If you want to participate you would go to your local FSA office and fill out a form that indicates you wish to have a referendum on the Pork Checkoff program." The request period ends January 2nd 2009. USDA will only conduct a referendum if at least 15 percent of the total number of eligible pork producers and importers request a referendum. And that number is 10,417. The Request for Referendum is being held because of a settlement between the USDA and the National Pork Producers Association and others. I'm Bob Hoff.