By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has officially certified three candidates eligible for election to the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board. Nominations for candidates close on March 29, 2024, and potato growers have until June 15, 2024, to cast their votes for their preferred representatives.
The nominees and their respective districts are as follows:
- District 1 Nominee: Eric Schroeder from Deerbrook, representing a wide range of counties including Brown, Door, and Lincoln.
- District 2 Nominee: James Okray from Stevens Point, covering counties like Marathon and Shawano.
- District 3 Nominee: Roderick Gumz from Endeavor, representing counties such as Dane, Milwaukee, and Rock.
Eligible potato growers will receive their ballots from DATCP during the week of May 10, 2024. Those who do not receive a ballot by May 20, 2024, can request one by contacting DATCP Market Orders staff at DATCPMarketOrders@wisconsin.gov.
Voters can select their preferred candidate from their district or write in the name of another eligible producer. Completed ballots must be either emailed or mailed to DATCP, Market Orders Program, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708, postmarked on or before June 15, 2024.
The elected producers will serve three-year terms starting from July 1, 2024.
The Wisconsin Potato Industry Board comprises nine producers from three districts across the state, with one at-large member elected every third year. The board oversees the management of approximately $2 million in assessment fees collected from Wisconsin potato growers.
These funds are utilized to support various initiatives benefiting the potato industry, including research, educational programs, and the promotion of potatoes grown in Wisconsin.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-npantos
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, General