08/29/05 Wine industry roundtable

During this current Congressional recess, one U.S. Representative has been busy canvassing members of one of his district's largest industries. Doc Hastings of Washington explains the reason for his series of wine industry roundtables held throughout the Fourth District. HASTINGS: And I just wanted to find out from them some of the concerns that they had. What the federal government can do on behalf of them. And the feedback focused on a variety of issues, some of which could find their way in coming months in the form of bills or appropriation requests in Congress. One call by industry leaders was to assure federal Market Access Program funding continues. HASTINGS: In the Tri-Cities, the Washington Wine Industry hosts a foreign exposition, principally from the Far East. That has proven to be immensely successful the last couple of years. And the M.A.P. program has helped them market products over there. Other non wine industry related issues such as the Endangered Species Act was also discussed. And Hastings said there is already talk within the wine industry on how the upcoming Farm Bill will benefit them. HASTINGS: The main focus of these specialty crops as it relates to the Farm Bill is to get more research dollars. The foundation block grant for example to have a foundation of wine grape plants that are unique to Washington State is a project that is on going in Prosser. That is an important part of this wine industry.