National Watermelon Association Advocates for Labor Reform in D.C.

Recently, a delegation from the National Watermelon Association (NWA) journeyed to Washington, D.C., aiming to address critical issues facing the U.S. watermelon industry. This visit was crucial for discussing legislative initiatives that could drive the industry’s growth and sustain its future.

Key Representatives in Attendance

The NWA contingent included prominent figures such as Bob Gibson, Jordan Carter, Greg Leger, John Lapide, and George Szczepanski. They focused on advocating for significant reforms in agricultural labor policies, emphasizing the urgent need for changes that benefit farmers nationwide.

Gibson’s Perspective on Labor Challenges

Bob Gibson, NWA president and a grower himself, highlighted firsthand the ramifications of an inadequate agricultural labor system. “These challenges are not abstract – they affect real families, real farms and the future of our industry,” he stated. He underscored that labor reform is indispensable for farms of all sizes.

Meetings with Legislative Leaders

During their visit, the NWA representatives met with members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor, including White House staff.

Discussions on Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives

The discussions centered on urgent labor issues affecting the agricultural workforce. The representatives urged support for reforming labor programs such as H-2A, which play a pivotal role in providing affordable labor for watermelon cultivation. These reforms are vital for meeting harvesting requirements and ensuring the sustainability of the industry as a whole.

Support for the Agricultural Labor Working Group

NWA leaders encouraged Congress to back the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group (ALWG), helmed by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and Ranking Member David Scott (GA-13). The NWA expressed support for the recommendations outlined in the ALWG’s final report, which can serve as a crucial reference for policymakers contemplating agriculture workforce reforms.

Future Prospects and Commitments

“Our fly-in brought us face-to-face with leaders from both sides of the aisle in Congress and officials across the administration,” stated Szczepanski, the NWA executive director. “We’ve already seen some regulatory wins for our growers, and our meetings gave us reason to believe that further action is possible.”

However, he reiterated the pressing need for immediate reforms: “Without urgent action on agricultural labor reform, American watermelon growers are being pushed to the breaking point. We are committed to collaborating with Congress and the administration to deliver the solutions our growers need as soon as possible.”

Stay Informed

[RELATED: Celebrating the Sweetest Star of Summer – Watermelon]