USDA names members to the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently announced the appointment of sixteen members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms from Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2021.

Members in High Plains Journal’s readership area are as follows: Dalton Willis Borders, Edinburg, Texas; Cody Buckley, San Antonio, Texas; Jose F. Gomez Ph.D., El Paso, Texas; and Darren K. Wiggins, Center, Texas.

Members re-appointed include Luke B. Brown, Center, Texas, and Jesse James Wiggins, Center, Texas.

“The 1,500 growers, shippers and importers of watermelon in the United States will be well served by these board members who will provide key direction to help the watermelon industry meet consumer demand,” Perdue said.

The 41-member Board is composed of 14 producers, 14 handlers, 12 importers and one public member. One-third of the Board members are appointed each year.

More information about the National Watermelon Promotion Board, including a roster of members, is available on AMS’ National Watermelon Promotion Board webpage at www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/watermelon and at the National Watermelon Promotion Board website at www.watermelon.org.