USDA seeks National Mango Board nominees
The 18-member board includes eight importers, two domestic producers, seven foreign producers, and one first handler. Applications for six open seats are due April 10, 2015. Selected representatives will serve 3-year terms of office.
Currently, the board is looking to fill six seats including two importers who will represent District 1, which includes the U.S. Customs and Border Protection port entries of Portland, Maine; St. Albans, Vt.; Boston, Mass.; Providence, R.I.; Ogdensburg, N.Y.; Buffalo, N.Y.; New York City, N.Y.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Baltimore, Md.; Norfolk, Va.; Charlotte, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Tampa, Fla.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Virgin Islands of the United States; Miami, Fla. and Washington, D.C. The National Mango Board is also looking to fill a domestic producer, a first handler and two foreign producer seats.
Visit www.mango.org/nominations for a copy of the nomination form or more information about the National Mango Board. You may also contact Manuel Michel or Kristine Concepcion, Director of Industry Relations by phone at (407) 629-7318, extension 111. They may be reached by e-mail at MMichel@mango.org or kconcepcion@mango.org, respectively.
USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by the research and promotion programs. All eligible women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to seek nomination for a seat on the National Mango Board.
Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 22 research and promotion boards. They empower agricultural industries by establishing a framework for them to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.