USDA Appoints Alternate Members to the Hass Avocado Board

USDA News Release AMS No. 025-09

Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998
jimmie.turner@usda.gov
Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2009 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of two producer alternate and two importer alternate members to serve on the Hass Avocado Board.

John D. Lindstrom, producer alternate from Bonsall, Calif.; James W. Johnson, producer alternate, Santa Barbara, Calif; and Alan Michael Parr, importer alternate, Miami, are appointed to complete terms beginning immediately and ending on Oct. 31, 2009. Avi Crane, importer alternate, Laguna Hills, Calif., is appointed to complete the term beginning immediately and ending on Oct. 31, 2010.

Authorized under the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 2000, the board administers a national promotion, research and consumer information program to maintain and expand markets for Hass avocados. The 12-member board, and alternates, is currently composed of 7 producer members and alternates, and 5 importer members and alternates.

The program is funded by a 2.5 cents per pound assessment on fresh Hass avocados produced and imported into the United States.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the board.