Wisconsin DATCP announces upcoming elections

NORTHEAST WIS. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting nominations through March 28 for two seats on the Wisconsin Cherry Board.

Established in 1984, this market order board has five members elected at-large who represent licensed cherry producers. Its purpose is promotion, new product development, research and education.

DATCP will mail nomination forms to eligible growers. Nominees must sign completed nomination forms and include signatures from at least five additional eligible growers. Completed forms must be postmarked by March 28 and mailed to Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Market Order Program, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911.

Growers who have not received a nomination form by March 15 or who have other questions about the nomination process can email DATCPMarketOrders@wisconsin.gov.

DATCP will conduct the Wisconsin Cherry Board election from May 9 through June 16. Elected growers will serve three-year terms beginning Tuesday, July 1 and ending June 30, 2028.

The Wisconsin DATCP is also accepting nominations for the Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council (OAC) until March 31. Seats are available in each of the following categories: organic farmer, organic business, organic consumer and at-large. Members serve three-year terms and the council meets at least four times per year.

The Wisconsin OAC was established in response to recommendations by the 2004 Governor’s Task Force on Organic Agriculture. The group first met in February 2006.

The council combines public and private resources to advance Wisconsin’s role in organic agriculture. By advising the DATCP Secretary and other organizations and agencies on critical organic issues, the council supports opportunities in organic production, processing and purchasing opportunities for Wisconsin farmers, processors and consumers.

The OAC represents Wisconsin’s organic industry with the following 12 members: Three certified organic farmers, preferably reflecting several farm types (dairy, vegetable, etc.); three representatives from the organic business sector; one representative of organic consumers; one representative of a private, nonprofit, educational organization involved in organic agriculture; one representative of the organic certification industry and three at-large members.

A committee of DATCP staff and current OAC members will evaluate nominees and make recommendations for appointment to DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. New members will start their term at the July Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council meeting.

Nomination forms should explain why nominees would be valuable additions to the council. Completed nomination forms must be mailed to Cassi Miller, DATCP, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708, or emailed to cassi.miller@wisconsin.gov by March 31, 2025. Contact Cassi Miller at (608) 259-0208 or cassi.miller@wisconsin.gov with questions.

Nomination materials and more information on the council are available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/OrganicAdvisoryCouncil.aspx.