14. 08. 2024 18:24

8.14.24

Good afternoon,

I wanted to update everyone on this petition with the latest findings that I have learned through conversations with the good people at MDARD.

I learned that the barrier for signatures is much less than what I initially thought. I was under the impression that we needed 51% of wine grape growers to sign. That is actually too many. This 51% actually is what is needed for the referendum to pass when that time comes. We actually need 25% of commercial wine grape growers to sign to move the petition forward to the state, which will trigger the referendum. As of a study from 2020 that explored farmers, acreage and varieties being grown in Michigan, the number that was determined for Michigan farmers was 257.

www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Michigan/Publications/Michigan_Rotational_Surveys/mi_fruit20/Grapes%20hops.pdf

Using this number and the 25% formula, we need 64.25 signatures to move forward. We have 68 today. The petition moves forward to be vetted and, if so, confirmed by the state of Michigan.

In the spirit of transparency, I have added my email correspondence with MDARD to the "reason" section of this petition.

It will be if the utmost importance for all commercial wine grape growers in Michigan to continue their engagement and let their voice be heard. The signatures are highly valued and welcome, but for those in favor, the real work begins upon state approval. Whether you are in favor of or oppose a check off program, our wine grape growers need to have an in-depth and pragmatic conversation about it. The Michigan Wine Collaborative is willing to provide the zoom space to have these conversations. I propose 9/4 at 10am to be the date and time for wine grape growers to join us for this conversation.

Please feel free to reach out to me with questions or concerns. I will do my best to answer or find the answer to each topic.

Thank you for your interest in moving the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry forward.

Sincerely,
Brian Lillie
President, Michigan Wine Collaborative