[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1830-E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL CRANBERRY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. FRANK. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that Secretary of 
Agriculture Veneman has proclaimed October of this year National 
Cranberry Month. The district I have the privilege of representing is 
one of the most productive in our country in the growing of 
cranberries, and of course, given that cranberries are native to the 
U.S., this means Southeastern Massachusetts is one of the most 
important cranberry growing areas in the world. Cranberry growers have 
been strong contributors to the economy of Massachusetts, to the 
protection of open space and other environmental values, and to the 
addition of nutritious fruit to the American diet. I appreciate 
Secretary Veneman's proclamation underlining the importance of the 
growth and processing of cranberries in so many ways and I ask that 
this proclamation be printed here.

                 National Cranberry Month, October 2002


                             A PROCLAMATION

       Whereas the cranberry has had a long tradition in North 
     America, first used by Native Americans to make pemmican, a 
     convenience food that kept for long periods of time, as an 
     ingredient in medicine, as a natural dye of clothing, as a 
     symbol of peace, and

[[Page E1831]]

     later as a source of sustenance for the Pilgrims;
       Whereas during the early days of this country's history, 
     when wooden ships sailed the seven seas, American vessels 
     carried cranberries across the globe in wooden barrels 
     knowing that eating this fruit help prevent scurvy, long 
     before medical science discovered cranberries are a valuable 
     source of vitamin C;
       Whereas cranberries are now one of three native fruits 
     still commercially produced today;
       Whereas cranberry growers have shown their commitment to 
     environmental stewardship by using integrated pest management 
     to reduce pesticide use, practicing water conservation and 
     preserving, protecting, and creating wetlands and open space 
     which provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including 
     many threatened or endangered species;
       Whereas the annual production of cranberries has increased 
     from 300,000 pounds a century ago to over 600,000,000 pounds 
     today as consumers worldwide discover the many uses of this 
     healthy fruit;
       Whereas multiple clinical trials and related scientific 
     studies have conclusively documented the unique ability of 
     the cranberry to help maintain urinary tract health, due to 
     the variety and level of its natural components;
       Whereas the cranberry has long played an important role in 
     American food, culture, and tradition, including the 
     celebration of our Thanksgiving;
       Therefore in proclaiming October ``National Cranberry 
     Month'' I urge all citizens of the United States of America 
     to join with our cranberry farmers to recognize and celebrate 
     the cranberry, a healthy, colorful, and truly American fruit.

     

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