Communications

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has shared updated guidance for agricultural employers using the H-2A program. This guidance includes instructions on how to check the status of petitions and raise processing concerns. USCIS continues to provide expedited processing for H-2A Form I-129 petitions. Employers can check case status online…

QIMA Morning Workshop Series Social Responsibility & Food Safety Readiness led by Brad Larson has been a Certified Social Compliance Auditor (CSCA) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) professional with over 25 years of combined hands-on manufacturing, engineering, social compliance auditing and Quality Management Systems documentation experience. The National Watermelon Association is pleased to present a…

Friday, February 20, 2026 Agricultural labor remains one of the most complex and pressing challenges facing the watermelon industry. From federal policy and regulatory compliance to workforce availability and emerging technology, labor issues continue to shape how watermelons are grown, harvested, and brought to market. This keynote-style education session brings together advocacy, legal expertise, and…

“Mentoring vs. Sponsorship: The Secret to Elevating Women’s Career Trajectories in the Watermelon Industry”   Presenter: Dr. Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth   We’re gearing up for an outstanding Annual Meeting & Convention in St. Pete Beach, February 18–21, and now is the time to make your plans to be there. Registration and hotel reservations are open,…

Get ready for the 2026 NWA National Convention! We are thrilled to announce that registration is now officially open. Join us on February 18th to 21st, 2026, at the beautiful Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg, FL. Be part of the much-anticipated event, and to reunite with your watermelon family. Take advantage of our early bird…

We are excited to share our public comments, emphasizing the crucial importance of NWA’s endorsement of NWPB redistricting. This initiative will positively impact our industry, and we firmly believe that thoughtful redistricting is essential for fostering equitable representation. On October 17, 2025, the National Watermelon Association (NWA) submitted public comments to the U.S. Department of…

A federal court in Louisiana has struck down the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule, which had used wage data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for non-range agricultural jobs. This decision benefits agricultural employers by simplifying wage determination and reverting to a 2010 rule based on the…

Exciting news from the USDA. They’ve just unveiled a substantial investment of $72.9 million in Specialty Crop Block Grants, supporting 586 innovative projects across 56 states and territories. Among these, over $300k is earmarked specifically for the watermelon industry, underscoring its vital role in our economy and our health. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program…

An article from the Archives: A Fascinating Exploration of the Origins of the Watermelon Queen Program.   A tribute to the enduring legacy of William R. Ward Jr., esteemed former president of the Watermelon Growers and Distributors Association. Who spearheaded groundbreaking watermelon national promotional campaigns. His goal was to stimulate national consumption, which could lead…