[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF MERCIER ORCHARDS

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                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2018

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of 
Mercier Orchards' 75th anniversary, which took place on January 19.
  In 1943, Bill and Adele Mercier acted on their dream to own a 
homegrown apple orchard by purchasing a 27-acre plot of land in Fannin 
County. What began as an apple orchard, though, eventually grew to 
include a market, winery, restaurant, and wedding venue.
  Four generations and 75 harvests later, Mercier Orchards has grown 
into one of Georgia's top destinations for our state's booming 
agritourism industry. Each year brings in over 600,000 visitors from 
across the country, and the company now ships its apples, fried pies, 
and other delicious treats to people around the world.
  Mercier Orchards' continued success attests to the strength of this 
family-run business. By encouraging each other through the poor 
harvests, the Mercier family was able to persevere together, using 
their business to make a positive impact on northeast Georgia.
  I congratulate Mercier Orchards on 75 fruitful years and wish the 
family the best as they continue to celebrate this milestone.

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