Communications

The Department of Labor published updated allowable rates for H-2A meal charges and travel-related subsistence, effective upon publication on April 7. The updated rates are as follows: $16.78/day maximum meal charge H-2A $16.78/day minimum subsistence no receipts $ 68.00/day maximum meals & incidentals w/ receipts
$110.00/day maximum lodging with receipts $51.00/day partial-day meals (75%) These rates…

Recent developments regarding tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) may open doors for companies to recover duties they previously paid. These tariffs have now been invalidated, and companies that paid duties between 2025 and early 2026 are expected to qualify for refunds. Although the process is still being finalized, early indications…

A new educational webinar series focused on cucurbit viruses in the United States will be offered this spring, providing timely insights for growers and industry stakeholders. Hosted by the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group, the three-part series will cover key viruses impacting cucurbit crops, including watermelon. The focus will be on virus identification, transmission,…

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance joined more than 50 agricultural organizations in urging additional federal support for America’s farmers, citing continued challenges from market pressures, extreme weather, and global uncertainty. The National Watermelon Association signed on to this effort alongside industry partners, reinforcing the importance of ensuring specialty crop growers are included in any…

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…