2/3/10 - CCFC Continuation Referendum Announcement
February 1, 2010
Dear California Growers,
According to California Food and Agricultural Code Section 78001, the California Cut Flower Commission (“CCFC”) shall conduct a referendum every fifth marketing year following a favorable continuation referendum. The Commission's most recent favorable continuation referendum was held in 2005.
Based on the request of the Board of Commissioners at their December 17, 2009 Board of Commissioner's meeting, CCFC anticipates that the 2010 Referendum period will begin on Monday February 15th and be held open for thirty-four days, closing Tuesday March 16th. Ballots for the referendum will be sent to all 2010 certified "producers" on Thursday February 11, 2010. In order to be counted, completed ballots will need to be returned directly to the California Department of Food and Agriculture postmarked on or before March 16, 2010. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 77918 defines an eligible “producer” as a person who grows flowers for market and who has grown not less than a gross dollar value of $500,000 of flowers in the preceding marketing year (i.e. during 2009).
Producers should also be aware of their rights pursuant to CCFC's Voter Access Procedures which allow for producers to contact fellow producers on the Commission's List of Producers regarding "an election, referendum, or any act or determination of the Board of Directors.” The Commission will, upon request as provided in the Procedures, conduct an informational mailing on a producer’s behalf regarding the referendum.
It is important that all eligible producers have the opportunity to vote in this important referendum. Therefore, any producer who has not yet certified to their eligibility may still do so by contacting the Commission as soon as possible so that they can ensure ballot submission by the March 16th postmarked deadline. Should you have any questions regarding the 2010 Referendum, your status as a "Producer" or the Voter Access Procedures, please do not hesitate to contact me at 805.696.5000 or kcronquist@ccfc.org.
My best,
Kasey Cronquist, IOM
Executive Director/Ambassador