AMS No. 046-11

Hakim Fobia (202)690-0488

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued a proposed rule that would amend the membership provisions of the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order.

This rule would reduce the number of seats on the National Mango Board from 20 to 18 by removing two non-voting wholesaler/retailer positions. The wholesaler/retailer seats have been vacant since 2008; consequently, the board voted to recommend removal of those seats.

The proposed rule was published in the March 14, 2011, Federal Register. Comments must be received by April 13, 2011. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov; mailed to Research and Promotion Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0244, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244; or faxed to (202) 205-2800.

Copies of the proposed rule may be requested from the same mailing address or by telephone at (888) 720-9917 during regular business hours. The proposed rule is also available at www.regulations.gov and on the AMS Web site at www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the board in accordance with the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The board administers an industry-funded national promotion program to maintain and expand the domestic market for mangos.

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

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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