Great growing conditions have watermelon growers feeling good about their prospects in 2011, according to Jamey Adams, president of the Georgia Watermelon Association.  Last year saw an oversupply of watermelons due to weather conditions in Florida.

“Growers were picking melons at the same time from Florida through Georgia and up to North Carolina last year,” Adams said.  “We had lots of melons left in the field due to oversupply and hundreds of thousands of dollars lost.”

Acreage for watermelons is down in 2011 compared to 2010 although it is still too early to say precisely how much.  With good weather this spring in the southeast and lower acreage in watermelons, Adams believes the market will be back in balance this year.

“Last year was really an anomaly,” Adams said.

What’s new in watermelons
According to Adams, fresh cut represents one of the fastest growing market segments for watermelons.  Supermarkets slice or cube watermelons and then package single or small-size serving portions for sale.

“There is so much profit potential for the supermarket chains in fresh cut,” Adams explained.

Seedless mini-melons are also experiencing strong demand.  Adams believes they will remain a niche market, however.

“We can grow a 16 lb. watermelon so economically that I think it will always outsell mini-melons,” he continued.

Research into new varieties, more efficient irrigation and mulch and more effective spray programs is ongoing.  According to Adams, Georgia growers continue to improve their quality and yields.  Georgia ranks number three in acreage in watermelons behind California and Texas.

Promoting all things watermelon
The Georgia Watermelon Association (GWA) is a chapter of the National Watermelon Association, which has 10 state chapters and membership in 29 states and Canada. The association promotes the best interests of the industry from production to consumption and constantly seeks improvements in the growing, grading, handling, transportation, distribution and sale of watermelons.

In 2010 and again this year, the GWA will hand out watermelon samples at the Atlanta Braves games over the July Fourth weekend.  Last year, more than 3,000 samples were distributed.

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with people on the ground,” Adams explained.

In addition, each year a Georgia Watermelon Queen is selected at the annual GWA convention. During the summer months the queen tours the state, visiting supermarkets and festivals, appearing on television, in parades and before sales groups, and meeting with local and state officials.

“We’re excited about what this year can bring,” said Adams.  “Of course, farmers tend to be eternal optimists.”

More information on the GWA is available at www.georgiawatermelonassociation.org/.

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