Federal Register #2026-18313

Withdrawal of Proposed Rule for Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan Realignment

This notice from the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the withdrawal of a proposed rule related to the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is not a procurement opportunity. - No products or services are requested; the notice pertains to administrative changes in board representation. - Key Details: - The proposed rule would have realigned production districts and reduced the number of importers on the National Watermelon Promotion Board from nine to seven. - The withdrawal was due to a legally insufficient calculation for importer representation. - AMS will consult with the watermelon industry for future board realignment steps. - No purchase quantities, part numbers, or technical requirements are provided.

Description

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing a proposed rule that was published on September 19, 2025, which proposed adjusting the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan by realigning several production districts and reducing the number of importers on the National Watermelon Promotion Board from nine to seven. The USDA found the calculation used to justify the change in the number of importers to be legally insufficient. Therefore, the proposed rule is withdrawn as of September 9, 2026. AMS will engage with the watermelon industry on next steps for realigning the Board's membership consistent with the Act and the Plan.

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