A proposed constitutional amendment on the Tusday’s primary runoff ballot asks local and statewide voters if a voluntary program funded by cotton farmers should become automatic.

The Alabama Cotton Producer Assessment Refund Amendment – Amendment 1 on the ballot — has support from the state’s farming community, including the Alabama Cotton Commission and the Alabama Farmers Federation State Cotton Committee.

“The research and cotton policies funded by the Alabama cotton checkoff program have kept our family farm in business,” said Jimmy Sanford, an Autauga County farmer who serves as chairman of the Alabama Cotton Commission.

Cotton farmers created the “checkoff” in the 1970s to help the industry rebound from losing market share to synthetic fibers. Since then, Alabama farmers have paid a self-imposed fee of $1 for each bale of cotton sold, designated to be used for cotton research and educational and promotional activities.  The cotton commission, a panel of 11 farmers who serve as unpaid volunteers, has responsibility for disbursing checkoff funds.

According to the commission, checkoff money has helped fund research for the boll weevil eradication program, which increased yields and reduced pesticide use. More recent research has helped farmers reduce yield losses from pests such as stinkbugs and nematodes while protecting the soil and environment.

Currently, the checkoff contains a refund option, which seven percent of farmers request, according to the commission.  Farmers, however, have access to and benefit from checkoff-funded research and promotion without paying into the program.

If the amendment is approved on Tuesday, the commission would have authority to schedule a vote for cotton farmers to decide on the proposed change to the checkoff program, eliminating farmers’ ability to apply for a refund.

“All Alabama cotton farmers benefit from research funded by the cotton checkoff with increased yields and improved environmental practices,” said Carla Hornady, Federation Cotton division director. “Through the farmers’ commitments to supporting this program, cotton remains a viable crop in Alabama. The industry employs nearly 2,800 people and has a $290.1 million economic impact for our state’s economy.”

Sanford described the amendment as a fairness issue to cotton producers.

“We think it’s time for all of us cotton farmers to have a uniform stake in what needs to be done,” he said. “We’re asking the general public to allow us to have that uniform voice by voting ‘yes’ on this amendment. Voting in favor of Amendment 1 will help cotton compete nationally and globally in the fiber market.”