PARMA, ID - "If you are a watermelon grower, we need you!"—this is the message that Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seeds and the National Watermelon Association (NWA) are telling the watermelon industry with their new partnership.

Bayer CropScience and the NWA are entering into what they call an "unprecedented partnership," to attract new members into the association. Effective immediately and for the next two years, Bayer will be funding first-year memberships to the NWA for all eligible watermelon growers.

“We are elated that Bayer, within Nunhems® brand, has agreed to fund first-year dues to all new members and therefore aid us in growing the National Watermelon Association,” said Bob Morrisey, NWA’s Executive Director. “We encourage growers and partners in the watermelon industry to share their talents and strengths with the NWA and allow us to share our expertise with them as well. The bigger we are, the stronger we become.”

As the voice of its members on important issues such as trade, labor, research and food safety, among others, the NWA says they want to stress the importance of association involvement from new generations of watermelon growers and being a part of these issues as they start their careers. The partnership doesn't ignore seasoned watermelon growers either—the partnership welcomes their membership as well.

“The National Watermelon Association has supported the watermelon industry for over 100 years. It is important for our company to support the growth of the association and its affiliated state chapters. At Bayer CropScience Vegetable seeds, we believe in the strengths of individuals and groups, to reach success," said Rafa Mora, Watermelon and Melon Crop Sales Manager at Bayer Crop Science Vegetable Seeds, parent division of Nunhems. “We share in their vision and dedication to make a positive difference in the business and improve the lives of our industry members; this is one thing we can do to help the legacy of the watermelon industry.”

Bayer encourages watermelon growers to assume leadership in the industry by sharing in scientific research, according to a press release, as well as having a voice in federal legislation and joining the conversations surrounding industry concerns.

National membership in the NWA provides immediate access to corresponding affiliated state chapters, the association says. For more information on how to become a member of the NWA, please visit http://watermelon.ag/membership-benefits/.

Bayer CropScience National Watermelon Association