Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan; Redistricting

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that reapportioned the producer and handler membership on the National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board). The final rule continues in effect the realignment of all seven districts under the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) based on three-year United States production records for watermelons and the assessments paid in each district. The change was proposed by the Board, which administers the nationally coordinated program, in accordance to the provisions of the Plan which require a review of the districts' alignment at least every five years.