National Watermelon Association

Celebrating the Past, Sustaining the Present, Creating the Future.

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About NWA

Welcome to the
National Watermelon Association

For over a century, we have been the cornerstone of the watermelon industry, championing innovation, advocacy, and sustainability. Our forward-thinking leadership, diverse membership, and dedication to education empower us to navigate and shape the industry's evolving landscape. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem and promoting responsible practices, we ensure our members' prosperity and the watermelon industry's vitality for generations to come.

Join us as we honor our rich heritage, address today's challenges, and pave the way for a vibrant future.

Acres of Watermelons planted in 2022

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Calendar of Events

NWA National Convention

Feb 19 - 22, 2025

Austin, Texas

The National Watermelon Association’s National Convention is the premier networking and education
event dedicated to the watermelon industry.

Join us in Austin, TX, for education, networking, an auction, the crowning of our 2025 National Watermelon Queen, and an unbelievable Texas experience!

visit convention site

NWA National Convention

Feb 18 - 21, 2026

St. Pete Beach, FL

The National Watermelon Association’s National Convention is the premier networking and education
event dedicated to the watermelon industry.

Join us in St. Pete Beach, FL, for education, networking, an auction, the crowning of our 2026 National Watermelon Queen, and an unbelievable fun in the sun Florida experience!

convention website coming soon

$1.2

Billion in Annual Sales

468

NWA Active Members

92%

Water Composition of Watermelons

4

Billion Pounds Grown Annually

Latest News

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Watermelons are GMO-free, Safe, and Grown with Care

When you pick up a watermelon at your local grocery store, you can feel confident that you’re choosing a product that’s fresh, flavorful, and grown—not manufactured. Watermelons are cultivated under the warmth of the sun, with the help of bees and farmers who steward their crops using heavily regulated, safety-first crop protection practices. These methods…

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NWA Releases RFP for 2026 Grant Program

The NWA has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its 2026 Research Grants Program, designed to support the watermelon industry. The program focuses on applied research that directly benefits watermelon production, handling, and food safety, with particular interest in areas such as plant disease management, production efficiency, and food safety technologies. Your research could…

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Empowering Fresh Produce Advocacy: Watermelon Delegation Updates from the IFPA Washington Conference

This week, NWA was proud to lead a delegation from the watermelon industry joining IFPA’s Washington Conference, meeting directly with congressional leaders, and raising the issues that are critical to our industry. More updates will follow next week, but check out your National and Regional Watermelon Queen social pages, as they are quickly filling them…

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Congratulations to NASCAR Champion Ross Chastain: A Historic Victory That Redefines Resilience

We couldn’t be more proud of Ross Chastain, NASCAR Champion. Ross delivered an unforgettable performance, etching his name in history as the first driver to triumph after starting from the back of the pack. Against all odds, Chastain, who had led only eight laps, skillfully overtook the race’s dominant driver, who had led for much…

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NWA Supports Mind Your Melon

We’re thrilled to have sponsored the Mind Your Melon Foundation’s impactful charity event! The Think Outside the Barn Benefit was crucial in ensuring the success of this mission-driven initiative, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members. Your support and dedication have been instrumental in making this event a success, and we couldn’t…

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Specialty Crops Call on Senate to Maintain Vital Investments in Budget Reconciliation Bill

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) urges the Senate to prioritize immediate investments in specialty crops as it advances the budget reconciliation bill. With the House having passed this bill, we emphasize that all investments in American agriculture must include specialty crops.Specialty crop producers play a crucial role in our food supply, providing safe…

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National Watermelon

Queen Program

Experience the excitement of the National Watermelon Queen Tour, a vital part of the National Watermelon Association's sales-boosting strategy. Annually, a new National Watermelon Queen is crowned at the association's convention. She embarks on a journey, engaging with people at supermarkets, fairs, and festivals, promoting the nutritional and economic benefits of watermelon. With media appearances and store promotions, she's the face of this beloved fruit. Join the Queen's adventure and dive into the world of watermelon!

Meet our 2025 queen