Our Priorities
The National Watermelon Association collaborates with our coalition partners on Capitol Hill to advocate with Congress, regulators, and The White House, pursuing our industry's most important, influential, and impactful policy priorities. We must assist lawmakers and regulators in understanding the realities we see in the fields, enabling them to create the policies that bolster American agriculture and specifically support the watermelon industry.
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Ag Labor Reform
- Support reform of labor programs like H-2A to ensure affordable and efficient labor for watermelon production, which is crucial for meeting harvesting needs and sustaining the backbone of American agriculture.
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Crop Protection Chemical Regulation
- Advocate for a science-based regulatory approach to crop protection chemical registration and increased funding for the IR-4 Program. This is vital for watermelon growers to effectively manage pests and diseases while ensuring product safety and environmental sustainability.
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Farm Bill Support
- Stand with Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance allies to advocate for a Farm Bill process that benefits the specialty crop industry, including watermelon growers. This support is essential for securing funding and resources that aid in the growth and competitiveness of watermelon farming.
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Research Investment
- Promote publicly funded research to advance watermelon production, improve pest management, implement sustainable practices, and enhance food safety standards. Investing in research is key to driving innovation, increasing productivity, and addressing challenges faced by watermelon growers in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
