Conner Names Members to the National Mango Board [October 18, 2007 News Release]

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas submitted a proposal for a national research and promotion program covering domestic and imported mangos on June 29, 2001. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) conducted a referendum from November 10-28, 2003. In the referendum 77 percent of those who voted favored implementation of the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). Therefore, the Order became effective on November 3, 2004, and assessment collections began on January 3, 2005. The program is authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act) [7 U.S.C. 7411-7425].

The purpose of the program is to increase the consumption of fresh mangos in the United States. An assessment of ½ cent per pound is collected on fresh mangos produced in and imported into the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the United States. The assessment is paid by first handlers and importers of 500,000 or more pounds of fresh mangos annually. First handlers pay the assessment directly to the National Mango Board (Board), and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service collects the import assessment.

The Board’s budget for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 is approximately $5 million. The program is funded primarily by importers because imports represent over 90 percent of the mangos consumed in the United States. The Board administers the program and reimburses the Federal government for the costs incurred in implementing and administering the program. The Board conducts generic promotion and market development activities in the United States.

The Board consists of: eight importers; two domestic producers; one first handler; seven foreign producers; and two non-voting wholesalers or retailers. The importers, first handlers, and producers are nominated by U.S. importers, first handlers, and producers, respectively. Foreign producers are nominated by foreign producer associations. The wholesalers or retailers are nominated by the Board.