NEWS RELEASE

August 1, 2010

Sunflower Assessment to Increase for 2010 Crop

The voluntary assessment paid by producers for sunflowers sold in Kansas will increase starting September 1, 2010. In April of this year, the 8-member Kansas Sunflower Commission voted to increase the check-off from 3 to 5 cents per hundred weight of sunflowers. The assessment rate has been 3 cents per hundred since inception of the Commission in 2002. Kansas law gives the Commission authority to assess up to 6 cents per hundred weight. The law also provides that producers who wish to receive a refund of the assessment may simply provide evidence of the assessment charges within one year of sale.

Voluntary check-off dollars are used for promotion of the commodity and its products as well as research on variety of issue related to sunflower production.  “We really need to help our Kansas producers find some solutions to the barriers on sunflower production, particularly weed control, says Karl Esping, Kansas Sunflower Commission Chair” “We have a great opportunity here in Kansas to increase both full-season and double-crop sunflowers but producers have to have the tools and markets to make that a profitable venture, says Esping.”
“Producers check-off dollars will be spent wisely providing them with benefits for sunflower production.”

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will be sending notification, new paperwork and forms to all first purchasers around the State prior to this year’s harvest.

The Kansas Sunflower Commission is a non-profit commodity organization working to improve and expand sunflower production through promotion, market development and education.