Release No. 063-15

Contact:

Hakim Fobia, (202) 690-0488

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2015 –– First handlers and importers of fresh mangos have voted to continue the Mango Promotion, Research and Information Order. The vote was taken in a referendum conducted by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service from April 6, 2015, through April 17, 2015.

In the referendum, 91 percent of those who voted favored the continuation of the order. Current first handlers or importers who handled or imported 500,000 or more pounds of mangos during the representative period Jan.1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2014, were eligible to vote. Based on the referendum results, the order will continue.

The Mango Research and Promotion Program is funded by an assessment of three quarters of a cent per pound on all fresh mangos handled domestically and imported into the United States.

The National Mango Promotion Board will continue to administer the Mango Promotion, Research and Information Order. The order became effective on Nov. 3, 2004, and authorizes the board to conduct a coordinated program of promotion, research, and consumer and industry information in order to maintain and expand the market for mangos. Assessment obligations under the program began on Jan. 3, 2005. The board is composed of 18 members that are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominees submitted by the mango industry.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 22 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency, and fair treatment of participating stakeholders. For more information about research and promotion programs, visit www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion.

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