Purdue News

April 17, 2002 Mint growers vote to continue checkoff program WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Mint producers have voted to continue the checkoff program of the Indiana Mint Market Development Council. The council, which supports research and development programs for mint and mint oil products, is financed by a checkoff which amounts to 4 cents per pound of mint oil. Registered producers of mint vote every three years on the continuation of the mint checkoff program; the next vote will be in 2005. Because the referendum passed at the end of March, funds will continue to be collected at the point of first sale. Growers may obtain a form for a checkoff refund if they do not want to contribute. The director of Agricultural Research Programs at Purdue University oversees the Market Development Council under state statute. The council consists of elected mint growers. Council members for 2002 are: Eric Blad and Randy Matthys of South Bend, Joe Griffo and Bill Schacht of North Judson, and Gregg Kanne of Fair Oaks. Dan Gumz, of Medaryville, will serve as secretary-treasurer; John Bobek Jr., of San Pierre, will serve as the ex-officio member; Ralph Green Jr., of West Lafayette, will serve as administrative adviser; and Steve Matthys, of South Bend, will serve as president. CONTACT: Jerry J. Fankhauser, director of Purdue Agricultural Centers, (765) 494-8370. Writer: Andrea Gregory, (765) 494-8402, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/ Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page