Current Referenda Status

Producers, handlers or processors — who are directly affected by a marketing order — may vote under the California Marketing Act using a referendum method. Approval of a referendum requires a specified percentage of the number of producers or handlers (such as the 40 percent participation requirement) and a specified percentage of the volume of the commodity produced or handled during a given period. Under the referendum procedure, a 30–day voting period is allowed, with an extension not to exceed 15 days.

Similar to marketing orders, for assessment payers to implement a new commission law, each commission has its own provision for a referendum. Most commissions provide for similar voting requirements as that of advisory boards under the California Marketing Act — at least 40 percent participation and a super– majority vote by volume of production and by number of voters. For most commission laws, the voting period can be any length up to 60 days. If less than 60 days, the voting period can be extended so long as the total voting period does not exceed 60 days.

This table shows all current referenda related to California’s marketing programs, including proposed marketing orders, major and minor amendments to current marketing programs as well as continuation referendums.

Program Referendum Type 40% Participation Requirement % of Ballots Recieved To Date Final Submission Date Results Announcement Date Final Results
Dry Bean Advisory Board Major Amendment

(DEALER)
Yes 83.33%

Final
EXTENDED
July 7, 2023
August 9, 2023 Of those voting, 100% of dealers representing 100% of volume voted in favor of amendments
Dry Bean Advisory Board Major Amendment

(PRODUCER)
Yes 27.71%

Final
EXTENDED
July 7, 2023
August 9, 2023 Of those voting, 86.96% of producers representing 85.51% of volume voted in favor of amendments
Wheat Commission Continuation No 13.30%

Final
February 1, 2023 March 20, 2023 Of those voting, 84.04% of producers voted in favor of continuation
Grape Rootstock Commission Continuation Yes 80%

Final
November 23, 2022 December 27, 2022
Of those voting, 83.33% of nurseries representing 82.43% of volume voted in favor of continuation
Milk Processor Board Continuation No 48.39%

Final
October 7, 2022 October 24, 2022 Of those voting, 93.33% of handlers representing 99.54% of volume voted in favor of continuation
Citrus Research Board Continuation Yes 57.56%

Final
June 2, 2022 July 7, 2022 Of those voting, 97.8% of growers representing 99.5% of volume voted in favor of continuation