Communications

The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) is currently recruiting reviewers for their 2026 cycle. SCRI provides nearly $175 million of funding each year for research and extension initiatives to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry. This is your chance to have a say in which proposals are meeting the most urgent needs…

The Alliance for Food and Farming (AFFF) recently published a response to misleading claims linking fruits and vegetables to cancer risk, reinforcing the importance of science-based communication around produce safety and nutrition.  The NWA is proud to financially support the work of AFFF and its efforts to counter misinformation that can undermine consumer confidence in…

Last week, NWA staff traveled  across Florida to visit with members, researchers, and industry partners, with a focus on the future of the watermelon industry.  Their emphasis was on the innovation, relationships, and leadership that will shape the industry in the coming years.     The trip included visits to field trials hosted by Enza…

The National Watermelon Association joins the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance in applauding House passage of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. This marks an important step forward for specialty crop agriculture, with key provisions aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of producers across the country. We encourage the Senate to…

NWA has created a new promotional piece for members to connect with retail managers interested in hosting an appearance by the National Watermelon Queen. This piece is specifically designed for retail settings highlights how these appearances drive store traffic, increase shopper engagement, create in-store excitement through sampling, customer interaction, and family-friendly experiences. It also outlines…

As the season begins, labor continues to be one of the most important—and complex—areas for our members. NWA works closely with our labor counsel, Shawn Packer of JPH Law Firm, to help navigate H-2A requirements, regulatory changes, and day-to-day compliance questions. This is a key member benefit, and we encourage you to take advantage of it….

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…