U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, wants a stamp commemorating the watermelon.

“For many years, watermelons have been a staple of American life, especially in Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District where farming has helped shape our culture and way of life,” Ross said today in a letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee.

“For instance, in my hometown of Hope, an annual watermelon festival is held which allows families and friends to come together and enjoy locally grown watermelons while participating in a great number of events that support the local community,” Ross wrote.

Ross said he supports a petition by the National Watermelon Promotions Board and National Watermelon Association calling for a watermelon stamp.

“The watermelon growers of Arkansas represent a significant portion of the agricultural sector, one of the greatest contributors to our local economy,” Ross said in the letter. “On average, Arkansas watermelons have accounted for nearly 3,000 acres of cultivated farmland per year. This multimillion-dollar industry employs many people whose families depend on the success and preservation of the watermelon as a staple of American life.”

A watermelon stamp “would allow America to show thanks to the hard work and dedication of our local farmers for their help in providing both local and national communities with such an important crop,” Ross wrote.

The committee recommends about 25 new subjects for commemorative stamps each year. The selection process can take up to three years.

Tags: Mike Ross

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 5:53 pm and is filed under General, State. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.