SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Jerry Costello II invites Illinois corn producers to provide comments on a proposed corn checkoff referendum at a public hearing Feb. 10.
The Illinois Corn Marketing Board has proposed to enhance marketing and promotion of Illinois corn by increasing the checkoff amount by 1/4 cent per bushel. This would increase the current 5/8 cent voluntary checkoff rate to 7/8 cent per bushel. Growers would continue to have a right to refund.
The public hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the IDOA auditorium, located on the State Fairgrounds in the John R. Block Building, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield.
Pursuant to public health guidelines, masks are required to be worn inside the building.
Following the public hearing, the Illinois Corn Marketing Board will meet and review all comments presented. If, after reviewing the comments, the Illinois Corn Marketing Board approves the proposed amendment, IDOA will hold a referendum in accordance with the Illinois Corn Marketing Act.
Persons unable to attend the hearing may submit written comments by Feb. 9.
Comments should be addressed to Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and mailed to P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281 or emailed to agr.marketnews@illinois.gov. Comments must include full name, address and telephone number.
For more information, contact Lindsay Mitchell of the Illinois Corn Growers Association at 309-557-3257 or Rachel Hettrick of the IDOA at 217-557-6993.