[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE CAPE COD CRANBERRY GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 125th annual 
meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, a professional 
organization representing over 330 cranberry growers throughout 
Massachusetts.
   Established in 1888 to standardize the 100 pound barrel, the measure 
with which cranberries are sold, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' 
Association, CCCGA, is one of the oldest farmer organizations in the 
country. Since its creation, the CCCGA has stayed true to its original 
goal--to support and promote the interests of Massachusetts cranberry 
growers.
   To execute its mission, the CCCGA's professional staff continuously 
sponsors professional development seminars for growers, assists growers 
in regulatory compliance, provides resources for environmental 
sustainability, and supports community and professional outreach 
activities. Through investments of over $500,000 dollars in studies and 
research efforts to improve the efficiency of cranberry farmers as well 
as to promote environmentally compatible farming techniques, the CCCGA 
promotes the sustainable success of the Massachusetts cranberry grower.
   Cranberries are synonymous with Massachusetts and the significance 
of the Commonwealth's cranberry industry is illustrated by the revenues 
generated in 2012, which exceeded $120 million and the roughly 5,000 
workers employed in the industry. In addition to supporting large, 
commercial enterprises, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association 
provides assistance to small, family owned and operated businesses. 
Approximately seventy percent of CCCGA businesses are family owned and 
operated, and some have been continuously run by the same family for as 
many as five generations.
   The importance of the resources provided to sustain the success of 
such hard-working growers cannot be overstated. Through its continued 
support, the CCCGA is working to ensure that Massachusetts cranberry 
farmers can adapt to environmental changes, that they survive 
urbanization, and that they continue to experience success and growth 
into the future.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 125th annual meeting 
of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association. May the CCCGA continue 
to fulfill its mission and be a strong, viable supporter of 
Massachusetts cranberry growers.

                          ____________________