Contact: Ashley Huibregtse, 608-224-5002
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP) is currently seeking nominations for the Wisconsin Cranberry Board. Nominations must be postmarked by Wednesday, July 6, 2011.
Nominations are needed for two board member positions. The positions of Michael O’Brien of Mercer and Edward Grygleski of Tomah are up for election. Both are eligible for re-election.
Other cranberry board members include: Stephen Brown (Wisconsin Rapids), Nodji Van Wychen (Warrens), William Wolfe (Nekoosa), Scott Schultz (Warrens), and Doug Rifleman (Wisconsin Rapids).
Cranberry producers will be mailed a postcard announcing the nomination period and the upcoming election. To request a nomination form, producers must contact DATCP at 608-224-5140.
Producers may nominate themselves or other qualified candidates. A completed nomination form must include signatures of at least five eligible cranberry producers other than the nominee. A notarized Affidavit of Eligibility, indicating that the affected producer meets the qualifications for nomination, must also accompany the submission of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms should be sent to: WI DATCP, Marketing Order Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911.
DATCP will conduct the Wisconsin Cranberry Board election from August 1 – 17, 2011. Elected producers will begin September 1, 2011 and serve a three year term.
Wisconsin is the leading producer of cranberries in the nation. In 2010, Wisconsin produced 3.96 million barrels cranberries on 18,000 acres. The purpose of the Wisconsin Cranberry Board is research, education, and marketing. The board represents more than 225 licensed cranberry producers.
