Associated Press

Lansing – Apple, cherry, peach, and plum producers in Michigan have voted to continue a tree fruit research and development program.

The initiative was established in 2014 to boost the competitiveness of Michigan’s tree fruit industry. It supports fruit research stations, plus study and extension programs.

It’s run by nine producers appointed by the governor. The director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development is a non-voting member, as is Michigan State University’s dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Officials say 171 valid ballots were cast in the referendum on whether to continue the program an additional five years, with 120 voting yes and 51 voting no.