The levy on whole fresh mangoes sold in the US has risen to US$0.75 (¾ cent) per pound, up from US$0.50 (½ cent)/lb, following approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The increase in the assessment rate comes with the support of the mango industry and will be used to finance further research and marketing efforts by the National Mango Board (NMB), according to a news statement from the organisation.
The new levy comes into effect on 1 September and will be payable by first handlers and importers of mangoes bringing in 500,000lbs or more annually, NBM said.
First handlers and importers of less than 500,000lbs of mangoes a year are exempt from the assessment through an exemption process.
The initial assessment rate of US$0.50/lb on fresh mangoes was established as part of the creation of the NMB in 2005.
After careful deliberation of the future of the NMB and the mango industry, the board approved the motion in September 2009 to proceed with a proposal to USDA to increase the assessment rate to US$0.75/lb.
“We are very pleased with the exceeding results achieved thus far and look forward to the continued success the NMB brings to the entire mango industry,” said Ronnie Cohen, NMB chairperson.
“The additional resources will allow the NMB to increase their efforts in research and marketing, while bringing the industry members together.”
No comments yet