FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2000
Cotton Referendum Results Announced
(Columbia, SC)-The South Carolina Cotton Board recently held a referendum among South Carolina cotton growers on the continuance of the Cotton Marketing Order. A total of 200 ballots were cast, with a majority of 85% favoring a continuance of the Cotton Marketing Order. The South Carolina Agriculture Commission certified the results on June 27, 2000.
The details of the voting are as follows:
There were a total of 200 valid ballots and a majority favored the continuance of the Marketing Order.
Total valid "YES" ballots 170
Total valid "NO" ballots
30
Volume on valid ballots voting "YES" 75,524 acres
Volume on valid ballots voting "NO” 15,144 acres
Percentage voting "YES" 85
%
Percentage voting "NO"
15 %
Volume percentage voting "YES"
83 %
Volume percentage voting "NO"
17 %
Every five calendar years, cotton growers vote on whether or not to continue Marketing Order No.12 (for South Carolina Cotton). The first Cotton Marketing Order was issued on July 6, 1990 and, provides the legal framework for the South Carolina Cotton Board to act on educational, market development, and research programs.
The South Carolina Cotton Board is comprised of seven producer members and one ex-officio member to administer the Cotton Marketing Order. Current producer members representing District I are: Clayton Lowder, Jr.,Chairman-Oswego; Dale Player-Bishopville; and James N. Chapman-Hartsville. Representing District II are: Roy Baxley-Minturn and David Lynch, Vice-Chairman-Bennettsville. District III is represented by Carl E. Brown, Jr.-Aiken and John W. Hane, Secretary-Treasurer-Ft. Mott.
For more information about the South Carolina Cotton Board, call Tommy Coleman at 843-665-5154.
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