In 1965, the Oklahoma Wheat Resources Act established the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, and with it a framework for Oklahoma wheat producers to invest in the promotion of their product, hard red winter wheat. The mission of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission is to promote and further develop the marketability and utilization of Oklahoma wheat through international and domestic market development, research and education. The efforts of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission are funded entirely through producer contributions via a ¢1.5 per bushel checkoff.
The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is entirely producer-controlled. Oklahoma wheat producers elect their fellow producers to serve as commissioners in district elections. Each district has an opportunity to elect a commissioner every 5 years. Once selected, commissioners are appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma to serve a 5-year term. Five Oklahoma wheat producers make up the board of commissioners.
Commissioner responsibilities include:
Developing policy and programs
Overseeing the implementation of policy and programs
Approving budget expenditures
Directing the funding of research, marke development, and education
Representing district producer interests
Promoting Oklahoma wheat
