The National Watermelon Association was organized in 1914.  Originally it was called the "Melon Distributors Association," but as the organization grew and the goals became more defined, the name was changed (in 1945) to the "National Watermelon Growers & Distributors Association".  In 1979, Growers & Distributors was dropped from the name, resulting in the current "National Watermelon Association."

NWA has members in 30 states and Canada - with chapters in North and South Carolina, Maryland-Delaware, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Florida, Texas-Oklahoma, California, Arizona, Indiana, Illinois.

The purpose of the Association is to promote the best interests of the Watermelon Industry from production to consumption.  NWA is constantly seeking improvements in the growing, grading, handling, transportation, distribution and sale of watermelon.