US – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revealed the appointment of seven individuals to the National Mango Board, ushering in a new era of representation and strategic direction within the mango industry.
The USDA’s announcement signifies a pivotal move in fortifying the National Mango Board with diverse expertise, geographic representation, and a collective vision aimed at fostering market growth and industry innovation.
District II Importers from Arizona, Jiovani Guevara, Christopher A. Ciruli, and Rodrigo Diaz, alongside Domestic Producer Rod Chamberlain from California, and Foreign Producers Karla Leticia Palafox Garcia from Michoacan, Mexico, and Sofia Wong from Piura, Peru, are slated to commence their three-year terms effective Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2026.
The appointment of Luis Gabriel Cintron from Miami, Florida, as the First Handler marks a notable addition, securing a one-year term that starts immediately and extends until Dec. 31, 2024.
The National Mango Board, comprising 18 members encompassing importers, handlers, domestic and foreign producers, serves as a critical body driving strategic initiatives aimed at promoting and advancing the mango industry.
Importantly, members are allowed to serve two consecutive three-year terms, ensuring continuity and fostering industry expertise.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees the National Mango Board, which operates under the purview of industry-funded research and promotion boards.
These boards function as collaborative platforms where agricultural industries consolidate resources, spearhead research, enhance existing markets, and explore new market avenues.
Diversity and inclusivity are paramount in board representation, as highlighted by the AMS policy advocating for a spectrum of experiences, perspectives, and skills to enrich discussions and decision-making.
Moreover, the nomination process prioritizes extensive outreach, especially to historically underserved communities, ensuring a diverse and inclusive representation reflective of the broader mango industry.
The National Mango Board’s operations, funded by a three-quarter cent per pound assessment on fresh mangoes produced in and imported into the United States, align with its primary objective of boosting mango consumption in the country.
These assessments, collected from first handlers and importers dealing with 500,000 or more pounds of fresh mangos annually, sustain the Board’s initiatives aimed at promotion, market development, and research activities.
With a core focus on elevating mango consumption in the United States, the Board’s budget drives targeted promotional endeavors, while also covering oversight expenses incurred by the USDA’s AMS and Office of General Counsel.
The appointments herald a new phase for the National Mango Board, emphasizing collaborative efforts and strategic guidance aimed at propelling the mango industry forward while ensuring sustainable growth and market expansion.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
