[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LAKE COUNTY WINEGRAPE COMMISSION

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Lake County Winegrape Commission as it celebrates 25 years representing 
winegrape growers in Lake County, California.
  The Lake County Winegrape Commission was established in 1991 as a 
state agency to work on behalf of winegrape growers in the areas of 
marketing, research and education. The Commission is steadfastly 
dedicated to quality winegrape growing and today represents 
approximately 180 winegrape growers.
  Located in Kelseyville, California the Lake County Winegrape 
Commission has been at the forefront of environmental sustainability in 
the wine community. The Commission fosters sustainable winegrowing 
practices through its many professional development programs. The 
Master Vigneron Academy provides a course in winegrowing taught in 
Spanish, and the commission's Sustainable Winegrowing Program certifies 
vineyard owners who demonstrate adherence to environmentally sound, 
socially equitable and economically viable principles.
  In addition to its service to winegrape growers, the Lake County 
Winegrape Commission is dedicated to serving the wider community as 
well. In the wake of the devastating Valley Fire, the Commission 
collaborated with other community partners to establish Lake County 
Rising, which has raised over $1 million to support long-term recovery 
and rebuilding efforts. These funds are being used to meet a wide range 
of community needs, including providing food, furnishings, supplies, 
and equipment for those who lost homes in the fire.
  Mr. Speaker, the Lake County Winegrape Commission has been 
instrumental in developing Lake County's reputation for producing high-
quality winegrapes for the past 25 years and has been an invaluable 
community partner in times of need. It is therefore fitting and proper 
that we honor the Lake County Winegrape Commission here today.

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