[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 77 (Friday, May 5, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING GARRETT BUCKLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 5, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Garrett Buckland, the Napa Valley Grape Growers 2023 Grower of the 
Year, and recognize his incredible commitment to sustainable 
agriculture and viticulture in California's Fourth Congressional 
District.
  Mr. Buckland was born in Napa Valley and grew up raising cattle, 
growing grapes, and eventually working for his father's vineyard 
management business. Mr. Buckland received a bachelor of science in 
viticulture and enology from the University of California, Davis. After 
graduating, Mr. Buckland became a partner of Premiere Viticultural 
Services where he has spent the last 20 years working with landowners 
all through the valley to develop their properties, advance their 
farming practices, and elevate their wine quality.
  Mr. Buckland has a long and successful history of advocacy leadership 
within the Napa Valley community. He is a current board member of the 
Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) and has served in leadership positions 
on the board for the last 10 years. He has been the longtime chair of 
Vit Fair, the Napa Wine and Grape Expo, and Rootstock, all events that 
the NVG uses to spread awareness about science-based approaches to 
grape growing and agricultural stewardship in Napa Valley.
  As someone with deep roots in Napa County, Mr. Buckland takes pride 
in sharing his expertise with others in the local and State wine 
community. Mr. Buckland is a founding member of the Napa Valley 
Farmworker Foundation, which helps farm workers develop skills in adult 
literacy, vineyard operations and safety, leadership and management, 
mentorship, and family life. He also serves on the Groundwater 
Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee, which advises the county on 
sustainable management of Napa's groundwater. In the past, he has 
frequently represented Napa Valley and other grape growers on various 
local and State boards, including the Clean Plant Material Advisory 
Board. In addition, Mr. Buckland often writes articles for the Napa 
Valley Register as a representative of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and 
has made several appearances on TV, online, and radio platforms to 
discuss best practices in the wine and agricultural industry.
  Mr. Speaker, Garrett Buckland has had a remarkable career as a 
business leader and a dedicated sustainability advocate in our 
community.

                          ____________________