AMS No. 086-11

Hakim Fobia (202)690-0488

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would increase the assessment rate on domestic and imported mangos.

The proposed rule would increase the assessment rate under the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order -- from ½ cent per pound to ¾ cent -- per pound of mangos. The rate increase was requested by the National Mango Board to ensure adequate funding for its promotion and research activities. First handlers and importers of 500,000 pounds or more annually are required to pay an assessment. First handlers and importers of less than 500,000 pounds of mangos annually are exempt from the assessment.

A 60-day comment period is provided for public comment on the proposal. Comments must be received by July 11, 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 website 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.

Follow us on Twitter to receive the latest press releases, stories, and important updates about the Agricultural Marketing Service at: http://twitter.com/USDA_AMS_NEWS.

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).