Wisconsin's commodity producers continually strive to maintain and develop their agricultural-based industries, despite the complexities of ever changing market conditions around the globe. Through the creation of agricultural marketing orders, Wisconsin assists agribusinesses and farmers to maintain and expand both national and international markets for seven different commodities.

Agricultural Market Orders can help producers who may want to develop new products or employ new methods to market their commodities in foreign markets. They can assist producers who might seek research assistance on issues such as quality standards, environmental problems, and disease control. The orders can also help those who want to develop educational programs for producers, buyers and consumers but don't have the funding to accomplish these goals.

Agricultural market orders are legal tools under which producers pay assessments - or fees - on commodities sold. Producers request market orders through petition of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and a referendum. They elect boards, commonly called "check-off boards," to collect and manage the assessment revenue.

The boards are comprised of producers who have been voted on to the board by their fellow producers. Each board position requires a three-year commitment. The check-off boards do not lobby for or against legislation, nor do they control or restrain pricing.

DATCP's Marketing Division monitors the activities of the market orders boards to assure legal compliance and assists them as necessary. The division also conducts all elections and referendums connected with state market orders.

Seven Wisconsin commodities have agricultural market orders. Although all market orders are similar in purpose - to promote research and development, public education as well as national and international marketing efforts - each has a distinct market order. More information about the market order boards is available by calling Noel Favia at 608-224-5140 or 800-942-2474 or emailing her at noel.favia@wisconsin.gov.

Wisconsin's agricultural marketing order boards are:

Wisconsin Cherry Board
Established in 1984, this market order board has five members who represent almost 53 licensed producers. The board is responsible for the management of an annual assessment that ranges between $30,000 and $40,000.

Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board
Created in 1984, this market order board has nine members who represent some 18,000 corn growers. The board is responsible for the oversight of an annual assessment of nearly one million.

Wisconsin Cranberry Board
Started in 1983, this market order board has seven members who represent more than 220 licensed producers. The board is responsible for managing an annual assessment from $300,000 to $400,000.

Ginseng Board of Wisconsin
Begun in 1986, this market order board has seven members who represent some 200 licensed ginseng growers. The board is responsible for the management of an annual assessment between $35,000 and $40,000.

Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Established in 1983, this market order board has 25 members who represent nearly 14,000 dairy farmers. The board is responsible for the oversight of an annual assessment between $21 and $23 million.

Wisconsin Potato Industry Board
Started in 1989, this market order board has 10 members who represent about 150 licensed producers. The board is responsible for managing an annual assessment between $950,000 and $1 million.

Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board
Begun in 1983, this market order board has seven members who represent some 18,000 soybean growers. The board is responsible for the oversight of an annual assessment that ranges from $400,000 to $500,000.