In Focus: 4 Questions With Robert Morrissey
November 20, 2012 1. The National Watermelon Association (NWA) is celebrating its 100th anniversary next year. How do you plan to celebrate?
Morrissey: Tradition, history, and values are cornerstones to any business, and they are surely indicative of the NWA. Research, food safety, traceability, communications, education, federal public policy, promotions, the Watermelon Queen program, and more make up what the NWA is all about. We will kick off our association’s centennial year of service at our convention in mid-February in San Antonio, TX. The convention will include a private concert by country music recording artists Little Texas, and many guests that will be announced in the weeks and months to come.
2. Outside of the celebration, what are the big issues the Association will be focused on in 2013?
Morrissey: With the seating of a new Congress and Administration, no matter which party is in power, the issues are vital to the future and success of our growers, shippers, suppliers, and other members. We are hopeful that the Farm Bill can be passed and signed into law during the lame duck session. That will determine a great deal for the beginning of a new Congressional session.
Food safety and traceability always are top of mind for us, and we look to the Office of Management and Budget to release the numerous produce rules that are the result of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
A guestworker program that works for agriculture is first and foremost. Everything else, literally, is a far secondary consideration. Without a labor force, our growers are out of business, and that would have immediate negative ramifications throughout the entire supply chain. It is simply unconscionable if Washington would do nothing, or pass something like E-Verify without helping ag to be able to secure a legal guestworker force. That could translate into one of the most devastating economic disasters that our country could ever face.
3. How has watermelon consumption been recently and is there anything special being done from a promotion standpoint?
Morrissey: The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has the responsibility for overall commodity marketing and public relations activities, and they do a fine job for the industry. The NWA and our chapters supplement the NWPB’s efforts with promotions through the Watermelon Queen programs. These young ladies are highly trained ambassadors that educate consumers of all ages about the benefits of watermelon consumption, the battle against childhood obesity, and promote one of nature’s most wonderful fruits of labor.
4. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Morrissey: The NWA has a unique model, and one of the most enjoyable conventions in the entire produce industry. “NWA 2013: The Centennial Celebration” will be the convention of all time in our storied history. Come take a look at what we do, how we do it, and you will probably find yourself with a huge smile on your face. We will share and honor our past, respect the present, and begin to shape the future.
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