AMS No. 144-09

Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998

jimmie.turner@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2009 -- Mushroom producers and importers voted to implement the proposed changes to the Mushroom Promotion Research, and Consumer Information Order. The vote was taken in a referendum conducted by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) from July 6-17, 2009.

The amendments reapportion membership of the Mushroom Council to reflect shifts in U.S. mushroom production, as well as add language to the powers and duties section of the order allowing the council the power to develop and propose good agricultural and handling practices and related activities for mushrooms.

In the referendum, 87 percent of those who voted -- representing 94 percent of the voted volume of mushroom -- favored the amendments to the order. Mushroom producers and importers who either produced or imported, on average, more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms between Jan. 1, 2007, through Dec. 31, 2008, were eligible to vote.

Authorized under the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990, the Mushroom Council will implement the amendments to the order under the supervision of AMS.

The order, which became effective Jan. 8, 1993, authorizes the council to administer a national promotion, research and consumer information program to maintain and expand markets for fresh mushrooms. The council is composed of nine members who are fresh market producers or importers who average more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms produced or imported annually.

More information about research and promotion programs can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion.