The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service will conduct a Request for Referendum from Dec. 8 through Jan. 2, among eligible producers and importers of hogs, pigs, pork and pork products.

The process will determine if producers want a referendum on the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (or Pork Checkoff Program.)

Participation is voluntary, and only individuals who desire a referendum on the Pork Checkoff Program should submit a request.

USDA will only conduct a referendum on the order if at least 15 percent of the total number of eligible pork producers and importers request a referendum. The total number of producers and importers eligible to participate in the Request for Referendum is approximately 69,446; therefore, at least 10,417 eligible producers and importers must request a referendum.

If necessary, the referendum will be conducted within one year after the results of the Request for Referendum are announced. If results of the Request for Referendum indicate that a referendum is not supported, a referendum would not be conducted.

Producers and importers who were engaged in pork production or in the importation of hogs, pigs, pork or pork products between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2007, and were at least 18 years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2007, are eligible to participate.

For producers, the Request for Referendum will be conducted at the USDA County Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices where their administrative farm records are maintained. For producers not participating in FSA programs, the opportunity to participate will be provided at the County FSA office where the person owns or rents land.

Forms are available at www.ams- .usda.gov/LSMarketingPrograms.

In order to vote, Form LS-54-1 and supporting documentation, where applicable, such as a sales receipt, veterinary bill, feed bill, copies of grower contracts, cancelled check or proof of payment must be returned in person, by mail or by facsimile to the appropriate county FSA office by the close of business Jan. 2, 2009. Form LS- 54-1 and supporting documentation returned by mail must be postmarked no later than midnight on Jan. 2, 2009, and received by Jan. 9, 2009.

LS-54-1 and accompanying documentation, such as Customs Form 7501, can be returned in person, by mail or by facsimile. Forms returned by mail must be postmarked no later than midnight Jan. 2, 2009, and received by Jan. 9.

It is recommended that the form and supporting documentation be mailed via an express service.

Eligible producers may obtain form LS-54-1: Pork Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Request for Referendum from the Lampasas/Burnet County FSA office either in person, by mail or by facsimile at P O Box 390, Lampasas, TX 76550, or 556-5572 ext. 2, or fax to 556- 3128.