Mango Importers Overwhelmingly Support Continuing National Mango Board in Latest USDA Referendum Vote

Industry support ensures continued funding for mango marketing and research, helping sustain long-term demand growth.

assorted tropical fruits on a wooden table_Photo by M.studio via AdobeStock_131204332.jpg

Assorted tropical fruits are typically in their peak season during the winter months in the Snited States.

Photo by M.studio via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — American mango importers and first handlers have overwhelmingly approved continuing the National Mango Board, giving the industry’s research and promotion program a strong mandate for the next five years.

The latest referendum from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows more than 94 percent of eligible voters supported keeping the program in place, reflecting broad agreement that coordinated marketing and research efforts remain valuable for expanding mango demand in the United States. The vote applied to first handlers and importers managing at least 500,000 pounds of fresh mangos in 2024.

USDA is required to hold a continuance referendum every five years or sooner if requested by at least 10 percent of eligible participants. Because a majority voted in favor, the program will continue without interruption.

The National Mango Board uses industry-funded assessments to support market development, consumer education, quality research, and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the crop’s position in a highly competitive fruit category. The board is one of 22 research and promotion programs overseen by USDA, all designed to help agricultural sectors pool resources and build stronger markets.

Looking ahead, continuation of the program means funding for ongoing research, marketing campaigns, and industry coordination will remain stable as mango imports continue to rise.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Industry support ensures continued funding for mango marketing and research, helping sustain long-term demand growth.
Tony Saint James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Related Stories
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
Better yield measurement means fairer grids, more precise breeding targets, and more dollars for truly efficient cattle.
The Washington Tree Fruit Association says this is not surprising and notes the USDA has offered a lifeline to growers while they transition away from the cannery market.
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.
The North Carolina Farm Bureau highlights the work being done on Sound Mind Farms, a farm producing hemp to make sustainable fabrics.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that new single-fluorinated pesticides are not PFAS and remain fully compliant with current safety standards.
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.