Congressional Wine Caucus

Congressional Wine Caucus

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. The state of Washington just became a bit more influential in the U.S. wine industry. That's because U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside was named co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus, a post he'll share with California Democrat Mike Thompson ...

NEWHOUSE ... "This is kind of a neat thing. Not only is it a fun caucus to be a part of, and a lot of people show interest in the wine industry, but this is a huge opportunity for the state of Washington. I'm the first, the very first co-chairman of the Wine Caucus that is not from the state of California."

Newhouse says he looks forward to working to ensure our nation's wine industry, from wine grape growers to winemakers and sellers, continues to thrive and grow...

NEWHOUSE ... "I think this will present a great opportunity for me to be able to help promote not only the United States wine industry, which we will do, but also the Washington state wine industry, which we have an awful lot to be proud of, as you know."

He says it's all about spreading the word ...

NEWHOUSE ... "Some of the unique challenges that we may face in the growing regions around the country or being able to market our product or research that's necessary, some of the taxing issues, labor issues certainly which we share with many other agricultural crops. All of those things that may be common with other ag commodities, but certainly those things that are also unique to the wine industries."

The Congressional Wine Caucus was founded in 1999.

Newhouse says it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.

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