Washington DC Recap

In early May Winegrowers, in partnership with the Washington Wine Institute (WWI), was in  Washington DC to represent the Washington wine industry during the annual WineAmerica Fly-in.   

Winegrowers and WWI met with every Washington congressional office. Messaging emphasized appreciation for House passage of the Farm Bill and urged Senate passage, called for support for a Special Crop Emergency Assistance Program, and expressed appreciation for House Appropriations Committee funding for smoke exposure research, continued protection of winegrapes from enforcement of the Produce Safety Rule, and funding for IAREC irrigation infrastructure upgrades.  Opportunity was also taken to explain the current status and negative impacts of the loss of the Canadian market for Washington wine as well as to educate on concerns regarding regulation of intoxicating hemp. 

Meetings varied from catching up with long-time policy partners to educating and building relationships with the staff of newer members of Congress.