July 1, 2005

Indiana mint growers sustain check-off program

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana mint growers have voted to continue a check-off program to support research and development programs for mint and mint oil products.

In 1987 the state's mint growers requested the creation of the Mint Market Development Council. The check-off referendum was designed to allow growers to maintain a fee of 4 cents per pound on mint oil. The fee was collected at the initial sale, which is the time when the final producer puts mint oil in commercial trade.

Since the check-off program began, mint growers have been able to establish market development programs, such as weed, insect and disease control research. Now farmers can expand in these areas and acquire knowledge in the field of biotechnology, said Jerry Fankhauser, assistant director of Purdue Agricultural Research Programs.

Biotechnology research allows scientists to study plants' genes and develop new generations of the plants that will increase resistance to herbicides and major diseases such as Verticillium wilt.

"Without these commodity programs for specialty crops, like mint and mint oil, we couldn't have funds to support the growers," Fankhauser said.

In return, information produced from the programs serve as learning tools to assist Indiana mint farmers.

Farmers learn about advancements in weed, insect and disease control and fertilization applications. Research also is dedicated to increase profits from mint through production and marketing.

The Mint Market Development Council is composed of seven mint growers elected by fellow farmers. The council's intent is to recommend funding in specific area, Fankhauser said.

Only registered mint growers participated in this year's referendum. Growers who did not want to participate in the check-off program will obtain a refund form. The mint check-off referendum occurs every three years.

"It's a simple way to validate the effectiveness of the fee," Fankhauser said.

For more information on the 2005 mint check-off referendum, contact Fankhauser at (765) 494-8360, fankhauser@purdue.edu.

Writer: Stephanie K. Miller, (765) 494- 8402, millersk@purdue.edu

Source: Jerry Fankhauser, (765) 494-8360, fankhauser@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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