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Discover the latest news and updates from the National Watermelon Association, featuring press releases, blog posts, industry insights, and updates on key policy areas. Stay informed and connected with the latest developments in the watermelon industry.

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  NWA is proud to endorse the newly introduced H.R. 9263, the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act. This bipartisan legislation will provide tax incentives to help specialty crop producers, including watermelon growers, adopt innovative farming technologies. By supporting this bill, NWA aims to strengthen the resilience of U.S. agriculture and enhance food security across the…

A vibrant celebration of the American watermelon industry just in time for the fall season! In this issue, you’ll find inspiring updates from the National Watermelon Queen and insightful state reports highlighting their hard work. NWA takes a look at how we can serve members as labor regulations challenge our members. We’ll also take a…

NIFA is recruiting industry representatives (growers, packers, shippers, staff from organizations that represent specialty crops, etc.) to review pre-applications for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) for 2025. This is an opportunity for commodity sectors to make sure that SCRI projects are tackling a critical need for the sector.  The time commitment for a relevancy reviewer is…

Counties affected by Hurricane Debby are eligible for payments under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI), providing over $200 million in financial aid to farmers and rural communities. Producers in affected counties will receive HIP-WI indemnity payments in the coming weeks without needing to file a claim. HIP-WI covers part of the deductible of the…

More than 500 agricultural stakeholder organizations sent a letter to key legislative leaders urging the swift passage of the 2024 farm bill by the end of the year. The letter emphasized the critical need for bipartisan action to finalize the bill within the current Congress, warning of the logistical and political challenges of delaying it…

The watermelon industry is facing new challenges with the identification of two new viruses, WCLaV-1 and WCLaV-2, in GA fields. These viruses, first reported in China and now found in several countries including the USA, cause symptoms such as yellow mottling, chlorosis, and stunted growth. Researchers at the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus, supported by…

The National Watermelon Association (NWA) has submitted comments to the Federal Register in support of the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s (NWPB) proposed assessment increase. We encourage NWA members to view our submitted comments and participate in the process by submitting their own. Your input is crucial to support our industry’s growth and success. Read More

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released the proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rule for outdoor and indoor work settings. The rule would require employers to develop a heat injury and illness prevention plan, identify hazards, and implement control measures based on specific heat levels. Stay tuned for updates on this developing…

Here at NWA HQ, we’re used to friends, family, and consumers asking us all about watermelons, and frequently, the “how did they get rid of the seeds?” question comes up.  This article is one of the better representations of that process, in a short, easy to digest format, dating back to the late 1930s, when…

Texas watermelon growers are having a successful season in the Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden despite facing pests, disease, and hail challenges. The hot weather led to top-quality, sweet watermelons with increased weight and better sugar content. Some production was moved from the dry Rio Grande Valley to the Winter Garden. Also, watermelon harvests…

Monica, Tami, and George of the NWA team had the privilege of visiting Jim Rash, Inc. in Lake Wales, FL. We were warmly greeted by Bobby and Jill Barton, the dynamic duo who took over the farm following an acquisition in 2005. It was an incredible opportunity for the staff to learn about their operation…

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow (MI) have shared the first glimpses into their versions of the 2024 farm bill. While both chambers have released preliminary versions, there is still much to be determined about the substance and details. NWA is working with partners in the…

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