[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CLAY SHANNON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clay 
Shannon of Shannon Family Wines, whom I have named the 2024 Climate 
Crisis Champion for Lake County because of the important work he has 
done to promote responsible farming, reduce the need for agricultural 
chemicals, and address the impacts of climate change on California's 
4th Congressional District.
  Clay Shannon was born in Healdsburg, California. He is married to 
Angie Shannon, with whom he has two daughters, Brooke and Audrey. Both 
his wife and daughter Brooke have active roles in their company, 
Shannon Family of Wines.
  Through his role as the owner of Shannon Family of Wines, Mr. Shannon 
has advocated for the need for responsible farming that reduces the 
carbon footprint of farms. In this role, he farms over 4,000 acres of 
vineyards in Northern California, 2,500 of which he owns. In 2018, Mr. 
Shannon began farming his 2,500 acres of land organically. He also has 
integrated his sheep farming operation with his vineyard. By doing so, 
Mr. Shannon has dramatically reduced the need for mowing, fungicides, 
and conventional fertilizers in his vineyard.
  Mr. Shannon has been farming for nearly 40 years. This long 
experience with and love for the land has given him unparalleled 
insights into the importance of farming organically and naturally. He 
is an outspoken proponent of eliminating the use of synthetic 
fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in farming. Crucially, Mr. 
Shannon is also an educator on the importance of building healthy soils 
for farming.
  He has also been a leader in the wine community. He has served as a 
Board Member of the Lake County Grape Commission, and as a member of 
the Wine Institute. He is also an active contributor and host of the 
Lake County Wine Auction, Lake county's largest charity event.
  Mr. Shannon's excellent work to advance environmental stewardship has 
been recognized in the past. In 2021, the Shannon Family received the 
Wine Institute's Green Medal Award. His land and wineries have also 
been certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers, an 
organization that works to advance organic agriculture for a healthy 
world. Mr. Shannon has also applied for his lands and winery to be 
certified as regenerative.
  Mr. Speaker, it is evident that Clay Shannon is a leader dedicated to 
responsible organic farming. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor him 
here today as Lake County's 2024 Climate Crisis Champion.

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