On Tuesday, July 10, 2012, Alabama cotton producers will have the opportunity to support the state cotton checkoff by voting to continue the program for a 10-year period. If approved, the assessment rate would continue at 90 cents per bale for 2012. The assessment is set annually by the Alabama Cotton Commission not to exceed $1 per bale.

Producers who grew cotton in 2011 or planted cotton in 2012 will be eligible to vote. State law requires a statewide producer referendum to be held every 10 years on whether the program should be continued. If approved, checkoff funds would be used to finance research, education and promotion activities aimed at furthering the development of the state’s cotton industry.

"For the last 30 years, cotton producers have provided funding for cotton research and promotion, and have given legislative direction through their checkoff funds," said Alabama Cotton Commission Chairman Jimmy Sanford. "This valuable leadership is a testimony to the strength of the state’s cotton industry."

The checkoff program is voluntary. Funds are collected from producers by cotton gins and remitted to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, which turns over the funds quarterly to the Alabama Cotton Commission, a group of cotton producers statewide who determine how the funds are distributed.

On July 10, Alabama cotton producers will be able to vote between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at their county polling sites. A list of polling places is included. No proxy voting will be allowed and no ballots will be accepted via mail.

For more information, contact Buddy Adamson at (334) 613-4216 or 1-800-392-5705, ext. 4216. The referendum is authorized by Act of 1981, No. 81-388 of the Alabama Legislature’s 1981 regular session.