Radanovich Moves to End Raisin, Grape Crisis; CA lawmaker to Convene Grape Summit Tuesday

10/28/2002

From: Rebecca Rahe for Rep. George Radanovich, 559-449-2490

FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 28 -- Rep. George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) urged United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ann Veneman to work expeditiously with California raisin, winegrape, and concentrate industries to solve the crisis of oversupply and increasing foreign competition. In letters to Veneman, Radanovich recommended creating a panel of USDA representatives to address the current problems in these industries.

"The Central Valley of California provides between 54 percent and 60 percent of the State's winegrape production and is our nation's largest raisin-producing region," Radanovich said. "It is imperative that USDA and raisin officials come together to establish methods to stabilize this industry, which ultimately affects our nation's economy. Therefore, I have urged Secretary Veneman to create a USDA panel to explore various solutions to this problem and expedite any and all methods of helping our growers."

Rep. Radanovich believes such a panel should include, but not be limited to, the Agricultural Marketing Service, Risk Management Agency, Foreign Agricultural Service, Agricultural Research Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and appropriate Rural Development offices.

Radanovich will also convene a Valley-wide Grape Summit tomorrow in Fresno, with State Senator Chuck Poochigian, as a forum to hear industry concerns and generate specific goals for recovery. The roughly 150 attendees will include representatives from all facets of the grape, wine, and raisin industry.

"Grape and raisin production is critical to the economic well-being of the Valley," Radanovich continued. "As a grape grower myself, I understand the dire circumstances these farmers face and I urge the USDA to do everything possible to assist our farmers in this difficult time. If this situation is not addressed, the economy of the Valley and the State of California will suffer."

For more information on Rep. Radanovich's work on this issue, his correspondence with Secretary Veneman, and/or the Grape Summit tomorrow in Fresno, please contact Rebecca Rahe at 559-449-2490.

Radanovich represents the 19th District of California, which includes all or parts of Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, and Tulare Counties. He serves on the House Energy and Commerce and Resources Committees, is Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands and is Co-Chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus.