Update 11-19-21

Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said the results will be available the week of Nov.22.

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Area tobacco growers join others across the state this week to vote whether to continue a self-assessment of 10 cents per 100 pounds of flue-cured and burley tobacco sold to support tobacco research and education.

The vote will take place on Nov. 18, and Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said a two-thirds vote in the affirmative will mean that the check-off program will be good until 2027.

The check-off program started in 1991 and allocates more than $200,000 annually to tobacco-related research and extension projects at N.C. State University. State law requires a referendum be held every six years.

“This referendum is important to the future of tobacco production in North Carolina,” said Sonia Murphy, president of the N.C. Agricultural Foundation and state check-off coordinator. “Federal funding for tobacco research ceased in 1994, and state support has declined in recent years due to state budget reductions.

“I encourage tobacco growers to vote on this important check-off,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “A two-thirds majority of votes is needed to pass the assessment, so be sure to cast your vote.”

Funds from the check-off are allocated by the N.C. Tobacco Research Commission, whose membership includes the Commissioner of Agriculture, the N.C. Farm Bureau Federation president, the N.C. State Grange president, the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina president and the chairman of the N.C. Tobacco Foundation.

Ballots will be available for tobacco growers at county extension offices on Nov. 18.  Contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension office for specific information regarding polling locations and times.

Vance County Extension – 252.438.8188.

Granville County Extension – 919.603.1350

Warren County Extension – 252.257.3640

Franklin County Extension – 919.496.3344