STATE

Nominations sought ginseng, tart cherry growers

Now Media Group

MADISON

Nominations are being sought for open seats on both the Wisconsin ginseng growers and tart cherry grower boards.

Wisconsin ginseng growers may now nominate candidates for two open seats on the seven-member Ginseng Board of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting nominations from March 1, 2016 until April 1, 2016.

Completed nomination forms must include signatures from at least five eligible growers other than the nominee. The affidavit of eligibility, located on the nomination form, must also be completed and notarized.

DATCP will conduct the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin election from May 15 through June 10, 2016. Board members will serve three-year terms beginning July 1 and ending June 30, 2019.

Tart Cherry Board

Wisconsin tart cherry growers can now nominate candidates for five board member positions on the Wisconsin Cherry Board, Inc. The nomination period opened March 1, 2016 and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting nominations through April 1, 2016.

Completed nomination forms must include signatures from at least five eligible growers other than the nominee. The affidavit of eligibility, located on the nomination form, must also be completed and notarized.

The 2015 Referendum result changed board representation from districts to At-Large Directors.

DATCP will conduct the Wisconsin Cherry Board election from May 15 through June 10. For the initial terms of marketing board members on the reconstituted board, board members receiving the highest and second highest number of votes shall hold office for a period of three years; board members receiving the third and fourth highest number of votes shall hold office for a period of two years; and the board member receiving the fifth highest number of votes will hold office for a period of one year.

DATCP will mail nomination forms to eligible growers. Growers who have not received nomination forms by March 15 or who have other questions about the nomination process should contact DATCP's Market Order Coordinator at 608-224-5116 or DATCPMarketOrders@Wisconsin.gov to have one mailed. The nomination form also is posted on DATCP's market board's web page.