Syngenta Sponsors Western Watermelon Association Convention, Honors Industry Leader Tashi Zouras; Nick Barnes Comments

LAS VEGAS, NV - Syngenta Vegetable Seeds proudly sponsored the 2026 Western Watermelon Association (WWA) Convention as lunch sponsor, supporting the organization's mission to advance grower education, industry collaboration, and innovation across the watermelon industry.

The gathering marked a milestone as the watermelon industry celebrated Tashi Zouras of Gardikas Produce, who retired after nearly two decades as WWA president and founding member. Zouras established the WWA convention and his visionary leadership was instrumental in shaping the watermelon industry, creating a collaborative environment for networking and education while advancing critical food safety initiatives and farm research that help growers optimize crop quality through disease management education.

Christian Murillo, who served as Vice President of WWA and Vice President of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, stepped into the role of President. Murillo, who leads as Director of Sales and Operations for Cactus Melon Distributing, pledged to build upon the strong foundation established by his predecessor.

"Tashi's legacy of bringing the industry together mirrors our own commitment to collaboration and grower partnerships," said Nick Barnes, Commercial Unit Head of West US for Syngenta, in the recent release. "Our commitment to the watermelon industry extends beyond providing high-performing varieties. Through extensive field trials and grower partnerships, we're supporting sustainable success that spans generations."

Syngenta's support of WWA reflects the company's dedication to the watermelon industry and the growers who have built lasting legacies in the business. Through the Grown for Generations campaign, Syngenta celebrates multigenerational watermelon farms across the United States. The campaign highlights the company's ongoing field trials and grower partnerships that support the kind of lasting success that is truly grown for generations.

The company's watermelon portfolio features diverse varieties from early-maturing Valor to specialized pollenizers, offering growers access to industry-leading genetics that help family farms thrive from one generation to the next. Syngenta's Full Count® Plant Program provides growers with the flexibility to choose with confidence and grow with ease, accessing watermelon genetics that embody the same grit and resilience as the growers themselves.