The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is adopting the final rule to add two importer seats and change the boundaries of all districts under the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan.

At least once every five years, pursuant to the provisions and regulations, the plan is reviewed and, if needed, changes are made based on U.S. watermelon production and the amount of assessments paid by importers.

Under this realignment, each domestic district will represent, on average, 16 percent of total U.S. production. Further, the percentage of assessments paid by importers increased to 29 percent and as a result, the number of importers represented on the board will increase by two. Therefore, the board will consist of 37 members: 14 producers, 14 handlers, eight importers and one public member.

Due to the re-alignment of districts, the following vacancies are created: one producer vacancy in District 2; one handler vacancy in District 3, one producer vacancy in District 7; and two importer vacancies.

The final rule, published in the July 18, 2011, Federal Register, becomes effective today, July 19, 2011. The rule is available at www.regulations.gov.

For additional information, contact Jeanette Palmer, Marketing Specialist, Research and Promotion Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Department of Agriculture (AMS), Stop 0244, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0244; or faxed to (202) 205-2800 or e-mailed to jeanette.palmer@ams.usda.gov.