Vance County tobacco growers can cast their vote at the local cooperative extension office on the Tobacco Research Referendum, which will be held on Nov. 18, 2021.

Paul McKenzie, agriculture extension agent for Vance and Warren counties, explained the referendum in a written statement to WIZS News.

McKenzie said the referendum is being held to let tobacco growers decide if they wish to continue a self-assessment program that funds tobacco research.  This program, in place since 1991, was established by state law and the law requires that a new referendum be held every six years.

A two-thirds favorable vote will mean that growers will continue to assess themselves to support tobacco research and education.  The assessment is 10 cents per 100 pounds of tobacco produced in North Carolina. The funds, about $250,000 annually, are collected at buying stations by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and then allocated by the Tobacco Research Commission for research and extension projects for tobacco at NC State University.

To learn more, call the Vance County Extension office at 252.438.8188.