The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of eight members to the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms effective immediately and ending Dec. 31, 2028.

Newly appointed members are:

• District 4 Producer: Caitlin Givens, Laurel, Del.
• District 4 Producer: Dennis Mouzin, Vincennes, Ind.
• District 4 Handler: Rachel Syngo, Punta Gorda, Fla.
• District 4 Handler: Renee Goodwin, Keenes, Ill.
• District 5 Producer: Camille Lombardo, Los Angeles, Calif.
• District 5 Producer: Jason Van Groningen, Mantera, Calif.
• District 5 Handler: Patrick "PJ" Colin, Woodland, Calif.
• District 5 Handler: Meagan Morgan, Scottsdale, Ariz.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board has 30 members, including 10 producers, 10 handlers, nine importers and one public member. Members can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. The producer and handler members are from five districts that divide the production of watermelons into equal production volume. Each district is represented on the board by two producers and two handlers.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Watermelon Promotion Board webpage or on the board's website at watermelon.org.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 21 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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