Mango Checkoff Approved in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Jan 6/04 - SNS -- First handlers and importers have voted to approve a checkoff on mangos to fund a national promotion program.

The vote was taken in a referendum conducted by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service from Nov. 10 through Nov. 28, 2003. In the referendum, 77.42 percent of those who voted favored implementation of the order. Any current first handler or importer who handled or imported 500,000 or more pounds of mangos during calendar year 2002 was eligible to vote.

The promotion program will be administered by a board of 20 members under USDA supervision. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominees submitted by the mango industry. USDA will begin the nomination process soon after the Mango Research, Promotion, and Information Order becomes effective in early 2004.

First handlers and importers of mangos will pay an initial assessment of 0.5 cents per pound on all handled and imported fresh mangos. This will finance a coordinated program to develop, maintain, and expand markets for mangos in the United States.

The subscriber version of the article is available by Clicking here