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National Grape Cooperative Members to Receive Financial Assistance for Losses
Congress Passes Agricultural Assistance Act
CONCORD, Mass. (March 4, 2003) — Farmers and growers who experienced significant crop losses in either 2001 or 2002 are eligible to receive financial assistance through the 2003 Agricultural Assistance Act, thanks, in part, to the concerted efforts of Welch's and the National Grape Cooperative.
The Agricultural Assistance Act was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Bush Feb. 20 as part of the 2003 Appropriations Omnibus Bill. Beginning in 2001, Welch's and National Grape Cooperative representatives have spent time in Washington, outlining to members of Congress the problems facing grape growers due to serious crop shortages in recent years. Many of National's grape growers were battered by harsh weather conditions that created substantial crop losses in both 2001 and 2002.
National grower support was critical to the ultimate legislative success. The Concord and Niagara grape growers of National advocated for their cause by hosting vineyard tours for Congressional representatives, contacting their representatives, and working through state agricultural organizations for legislative relief.
In all, losses for Labrusca grape growers (Concord and Niagara
grapes grown by National are considered varieties of Labrusca) totaled
more than $70 million the past two years in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania,
Ohio, and Washington state.
The Agricultural Assistance Act covers all farmers and growers who experienced
at least a 35 percent crop loss in either 2001 or 2002. "The fact
that we told our story early, often, and well meant our Senators and Congressmen
rose as one bipartisan voice to demand fairness for grapes and other specialty
crops in the 2003 Agricultural Assistance Act," said Vivian Tseng,
chief legal counsel for Welch's and National.
Added Brent Roggie, general manager of the National Grape Cooperative, "We are very pleased. Our growers faced a bleak situation — the future of their farming operations was in jeopardy because of the weather-related crop losses they suffered in 2001 and 2002. The passage of the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003 enables them to continue to operate and reinvest in their farms, which, in turn, supports the local and state economies."
Details for applying for the assistance are still being worked out and will be provided to National’s membership when they are finalized.
Welch's and National's representatives worked with legislators
from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Washington state to help
gain acceptance of the assistance package.
About Welch's
Welch's is the world's leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based
products, including grape juice and jelly. The company produces a variety
of other fruit-based products, including 100% juices, juice cocktails,
and drinks in the following forms: single serve, bottled, refrigerated,
and frozen and shelf-stable concentrates. In addition, Welch's produces
a number of fruit spread products under both the Welch's and BAMA brand
names. Welch's Web site can be found at www.welchs.com.
About the National Grape Cooperative Association
Comprised of more than 1,400 grape growers located in Michigan, New York,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington state, and Ontario, Canada, the National
Grape Cooperative Association is the parent company of Welch's. The two
organizations operate under a two-board system. National focuses on delivering
grapes of outstanding quality. Welch's focuses on ensuring the relevancy
of Concord and Niagara grapes in all the grape-based products it manufactures
and markets, while providing growers with a reliable market and building
the long-term value of the cooperative. National's Web site can be found
at www.nationalgrape.com.
