TAMPA, FL 33634 www.nationalwatermelonassociation.com the Winter 2015 Official Newsletter of the NATIONAL WATERMELON ASSOCIATION USDA Offers Crop Great News for FSMA Disaster Assistance Watermelon Magic! Implementation The folks at Spring Garden Pictures are brimming for Fruit And with great news, and they want to share the new Dates Set developments, exciting opportunities, and upcom- Vegetable Growers ing projects with us. Since Watermelon Magic’s hometown premiere USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced at The Franklin Institute last spring, the film’s that greater protection is now available from the reach continues to grow. The screenings at The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for Franklin Institute will come to a close at the end crops that traditionally have been ineligible for fed- of December, but you can check out the film at Now that the four major proposed rules of the Food eral crop insurance. The new options, created by the The Whitaker Center in Harrisburg PA where it Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) have been re-pro- 2014 Farm Bill, provide greater coverage for losses recently opened. More venues will be officially posed and commented, we await the final rules (publi- when natural disasters affect specialty crops such as announced soon! cation, and the court-ordered implementation dates. vegetables and fruits. But the really big news is that Watermelon Magic A consent agreement filed in federal district court “These new protections will help ensure that farm will be running for a 3-year engagement at the in Oakland, CA set a timeline for FSMA rules to be families growing crops for food, fiber, or livestock Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural His- implemented. The agreement between FDA and the consumption will be better able to withstand losses tory in Washington DC beginning in spring or fall Center for Food Safety (CFS) ended the agency’s due to natural disasters,” said Vilsack. “For years, of 2015 on their new digital IMAX system! This appeal of strict, court-imposed deadlines that were set commodity crop farmers have had the ability to pur- is a huge, wonderful advancement for the film. as the result of a CFS lawsuit seeking a timeline for chase insurance to keep their crops protected, and it They will provide news and updates regarding the implementation. only makes sense that fruit and vegetable, and other grand opening in DC once the details are set. specialty crop growers, should be able to purchase similar levels of protection. Ensuring these farm- The consent agreement pushes back several deadlines ers can adequately protect themselves from factors for the seven rules: beyond their control is also critical for consumers • Preventive controls for human food = who enjoy these products and for communities whose August 30, 2015. economies depend on them.” • Preventive controls for animal food = Previously, the program offered coverage at 55% of August 30, 2015. the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50% of expected production. Producers can now • Produce Safety = October 31, 2015. choose higher levels of coverage, up to 65% of their expected production at 100% of the average market • Foreign supplier verification program = price. March 31, 2016. The expanded protection will be especially helpful to • Third-party accreditation = beginning and traditionally underserved producers, March 31, 2016. as well as farmers with limited resources, who will receive fee waivers and premium reductions for ex- • Sanitary transport = March 31, 2016. panded coverage. More crops are now eligible for the program, including expanded aquaculture production • Intentional adulteration = May 31, 2016. practices, and sweet and biomass sorghum. For the first time, a range of crops used to produce bioenergy “The FDA is committed to fully implementing the will be eligible as well. FSMA and to putting in place the modern, preven- tive framework envisioned by the law that will help “If America is to remain food secure and continue to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public exporting food to the world, we need to do everything health,” says an FDA spokesperson. “The agency we can to help new farmers get started and succeed is working as quickly and expeditiously as possible in agriculture,” Vilsack said. “This program will help to meet our deadlines for the final rules, while also new and socially disadvantaged farmers affordably ensuring that we get these rules right.” manage risk, making farming a much more attractive If the application deadline for an eligible crop has business proposition.” already passed, producers will have until Jan. 14, to choose expanded coverage through the Noninsured To help producers learn more about the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. To learn more, Crop Disaster Assistance Program and how it can visit the Farm Service Agency (FSA) website or help them, USDA, in partnership with Michigan State contact your local FSA office. The Farm Service University and the University of Illinois, created an Agency (FSA), which administers the program, also In This Issue: online resource. The Web tool, allows producers to wants to hear from producers and other interested Page 5 …………. Look at What’s NEW at the Association determine whether their crops are eligible for cover- stakeholders who may have suggestions or recom- age. It also gives them an opportunity to explore a mendations on the program. Written comments Page 16 .......................................................NWPB Update variety of options and levels to determine the best will be accepted until Feb. 13 and can be submitted Page 30 ……… Membership and the Largest Generation protection level for their operation. through Regulations.gov. 2 • the Vineline National Watermelon Association • Winter 2015 Seedless Sensations Outstanding producers with great taste and presentation! Sweet Gem Cut Above Kingman • Rich, glossy, dark green • Bright red, crisp flesh • Bright red, crisp, firm flesh rind • Sweet and flavorful • Tasty with tiny seed pips • Deep red, crisp flesh • Round to oval shape • Strong vines and high yield • Sweet with excellent flavor • 15 to 17 pounds potential • Round shape • Excellent shipping • 18 to 22 pounds • 13 to 16 pounds capabilities • Round-oval shape Premont Exclamation Fascination • Super crisp, deep red flesh • Crisp, firm, sweet red flesh • Attractive, firm red flesh • High brix and small pips • Strong vine vigor • Uniform 45- and 36-count • Round to oval shape • Uniform size and blocky blocky fruit • 15 to 17 pounds shape • Excellent yield potential • Excellent shipping and • Small-medium pips • Very small pips shelf life • Mostly 36- and 45- count • Sweet and flavorful N. FL, AL, MS, LA GEORGIA NC, SC, VA, DE, MD Terry Parrish Christian Dameron Jonathan Wilks (229) 921-7803 (229) 891-8226 (910) 290-1735 PLANT CITY, FL SOUTHEAST FL TN, KY, MO, IN Larry Pippin Robbie Bishop Wayne Eidson (813) 759-1111 (786) 255-3764 (615) 854-9859 SOUTHWEST FL NY, N. ENGLAND, OH, MI WHOLESALE Kim Clifton Walker Mark Upton Blake Dexter (239) 707-5049 (315) 604-1098 (910) 372-3602 3 • the Vineline National Watermelon Association • Winter 2015 the 2014 SPONSORS DIAMOND Nunhems PLATINUM Georgia Chapter International Paper National Watermelon Association, InInc.c Seminis 190 Fitzgerald Road• Suite #3 • Lakeland, Florida 33813 Texas Chapter CHEP and IFCO (863) 619-7575 office • (863) 619-7577 fax www.nationalwatermelonassociation.com RUBY The Vineline is published quarterly by the National Watermelon Association, serving the industry Nationwide since Allen Lund 1914. All rights reserved, except where otherwise noted. Printed in the USA. 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