By Andi Anderson
A public hearing on a proposed wheat checkoff was recently held at the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). The initiative suggests a 1.5-cent checkoff per bushel of wheat sold in Illinois to support wheat research, promotion, and outreach. If approved, the checkoff would provide a stable funding base for the Illinois Wheat Association (IWA), complementing current revenue from dues, industry contributions, and grants.
The hearing featured testimony from 10 individuals supporting the proposal, including wheat producers, industry representatives, and even a medical doctor who highlighted wheat's nutritional value. Advocates emphasized the need for farmer-supported research to improve wheat production, market opportunities, and overall quality, similar to the successful corn and soybean checkoffs.
“One of the things that was kind of a surprise to all of us was that there was a medical doctor from Barrington, Illinois, who testified in support of the checkoff. She said that wheat is a good food source, and the more abundant and better quality we can make it by helping ourselves with the checkoff, go for it,” said Dean Campbell, a farmer and IWA board secretary.
The Temporary Wheat Development Program Committee will now finalize the proposal. A 90-day voting window is expected to begin early next year, following legal guidelines. Key adjustments, such as shifting the fiscal year start date and procedures for district director elections, are being considered to streamline implementation if the checkoff is approved.
To move forward, 500 signatures from wheat producers are required to bring the proposal to a vote. Currently, 300 signatures have been collected, leaving a significant effort to secure the remaining support.
Voting will be conducted by the IDOA, with options for in-person and mail-in ballots. A nine-member board, representing six districts and three at-large members, will oversee the checkoff funds.
The proposed wheat checkoff will focus on four key areas:
- Research: Advancing production practices, yields, and profitability.
- Promotion: Educating stakeholders about wheat's health benefits and market potential.
- Economic Development: Supporting farmers, processors, and consumers.
- Policy Advocacy: Promoting wheat in public policy areas such as cover cropping and carbon credits.
The initiative marks a step towards securing the future of Illinois wheat production and its role in agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Wheat