Legislature
Reps. Austin Scott, Raul Ruiz Introduce Bipartisan American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act
WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-08) joined Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA-36) in introducing the American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act (H.R. 4580), which would help level the playing field for seasonal and perishable growers who compete against below-market foreign imports. The legislation was drafted in concert with American growers who have seen drastic drops in production as cheap, foreign-subsidized imports have driven prices below a sustainable level.
“For years, Georgia’s producers have struggled to compete with unfair trade practices, including our specialty crop producers who are seeing more and more foreign-subsidized produce dumped into U.S. markets below the cost of production,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “The impact of these unfair trade practices has only been compounded by labor shortages and supply chain issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food security is national security, and we must ensure we continue to support our American farmers and create a level playing field. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Ruiz in introducing the American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act, and I will continue fighting for our U.S. growers and our domestic food supply chain.” Read more
USDA Announces $14 Billion For CFAP Round 2
On Friday, USDA announced an additional $14 billion will be made available to farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. With applications already being accepted, Georgia fruit and vegetable producers may find this round of support more favorable than the initial program available this summer.
“America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers remain in business to produce the food, fuel, and fiber America needs to thrive,” said Secretary Perdue. “We listened to feedback received from farmers, ranchers and agricultural organizations about the impact of the pandemic on our nations’ farms and ranches, and we developed a program to better meet the needs of those impacted.”
Under the new program, specialty crops like fruits and vegetables will largely be classified in the “Sales Commodities” category. Payment calculations will be based on 2019 farm sales and producers will be paid on a 5-tier graduated payment schedule. Read more...
Public Policy and Government Relations
Watermelon Promotions
Georgia Watermelon Association’s purpose is watermelon promotion from production to consumption. Promotions can vary from our watermelon queens making appearances and talking at functions, to providing informative links about watermelon and the watermelon industry and sharing interesting watermelon recipes with all of our fans.
more information2025 GWA ANNUAL CONVENTION
Thank you to all attendees, sponsors, presenters and exhibitors who joined together to make the 2023 Annual Meeting another successful event! A very special appreciation to our auction load donors and buyers for their commitment and support of the GWA Live Auction. This event once again proved to be a huge success, from Friday night's President's Welcome Reception and dinner to the crowning of the Queen on Saturday evening! Enjoying friends, great food and good times was the perfect setting throughout the weekend in St. Simons.
more information2024 GWA Brand Ambassador
The Georgia Watermelon Brand Ambassador is a trained public relations representative for the watermelon industry both regionally and nationally. Each year she spends the year traveling to throughout Georgia and the United States, talking to people in supermarkets, schools, festivals, athletic events about the nutritional benefits and economical values of watermelon.
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