USDA Sets Dates for Mango Research and Promotion Program Continuance Referendum

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it will conduct a referendum Oct. 22-Nov. 12, 2025, for eligible first handlers and importers of mangos to decide whether to continue their research and promotion program.

First handlers and importers who are engaged in handling or importing 500,000 pounds or more of mangos at the time of the referendum and during the representative period of Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible to vote. The order will continue if it is favored by a majority of first handlers and importers voting in the referendum.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will conduct the referendum by express mail and electronic ballot. AMS staff will express mail ballots and voting instructions, including how to vote electronically, to all known eligible first handlers and importers before the voting period. Completed ballots must be delivered to AMS via express mail or electronic means no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Nov. 12, 2025. Any eligible first handler or importer who does not receive a ballot by Nov. 5, 2025, should contact referendum agent George Webster, Marketing Specialist, by phone at (202) 365-4172 or (202) 720-8085, or by email at [email protected].

The notice was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 22, 2025. For more information about the board, visit the National Mango Board website.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender