Agricultural News
OK Grower Mike Spradling Explains the Newly Organized American Pecan Council in a Nutshell
Tue, 13 Dec 2016 16:11:09 CST
American Pecan Council member and Tulsa-area pecan producer, Mike Spradling, recently spoke with Farm Director Ron Hays about the establishment of the new checkoff program formed under the Federal Pecan Marketing Order. He explained how this all came about and what the council's duties will entail.
According to Spradling, the pecan industry has looked to other nut councils, like for pistachios and almonds, and observed what they have accomplished for their respective industries. He contends that with their own checkoff program, the pecan industry will be better equipped to compete domestically and internationally, raise grading standards, increase quality of packaging and provide research and development for the product and its market.
"Those are some of the things we're responsible for doing," Spradling said, "but the main thing is just to increase demand and increase the knowledge of pecans for people."
Attempts were made in the 90s to get a federal marketing order off the ground, but those attempts failed to see it through. Over the past three years though, renewed efforts have prevailed, winning a vote by more than 70 percent among pecan growers that produce at least 50,000 pounds or own 30+ acres of trees planted.
The council itself consists of 17 members, 15 of which representing growers and sellers. Those 15 members are then responsible for electing an accumulator to represent the shelling industry and one person at large to represent the consumer, who has no business interests in the pecan industry itself. Spradling has been elected to represent the growers of the central region which includes Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.
"What we need to do in the US is to be certain that we increase demand for pecans," Spradling said. "Because if you increase demand, you increase prices."
Listen to Hays' entire conversation with Spradling about the newly organized American Pecan Council, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
