Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan; Redistricting and Adding Two Importer Members to the National Watermelon Promotion Board

This final rule changes the boundaries of all seven districts under the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) to apportion producer and handler membership on the National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board). This will make all districts equal according to the assessments collected in each district. Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and regulations, this rule will also add two importer members to the Board to ensure that representation of importers is proportionate to the percentage of assessments importers pay to the Board. These changes are based on a review of the production and assessments paid in each district and the amount of watermelon import assessments, which the Plan requires at least every five years.