WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed three producers to serve on the Mushroom Council.
Newly appointed member, Gale Marie Ferranto of Kennett Square, Pa., joins reappointed members James A. Angelucci of Naples, Fla. and Roberto Ramirez from Escondido, Calif. as part of the Mushroom Council. Members will serve three-year terms beginning Jan, 1, 2013.
“These appointments represent a cross section of the industry,” said Vilsack. “Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the council. I am confident that the industry will be well served by them.”
Authorized under the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990, the council administers a national promotion, research and consumer information program to maintain and expand markets for fresh mushrooms. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the council.
Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 20 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion to learn more about research and promotion programs.
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Source: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service