WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wine Institute presented its Annual Leadership Award to Congressman Dennis Cardoza, D-California, during its 27th Washington Week, where Institute vintners met with top Congressional leaders and Administration officials in the nation’s capital. Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. (Bobby) Koch and Wine Institute Board Chairman Margaret Duckhorn, founder and vice president of industry relations at Duckhorn Wine Company, presented the award to Cardoza in appreciation for the Congressman’s outstanding work in supporting the California wine industry. Cardoza is a member of the Congressional Wine Caucus, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture and a member of the House Rules Committee.
“Congressman Cardoza played a leading role in the formation of the Farm Bill approved last year which supports agricultural research, farm preservation and export promotion for specialty crops,” said Koch. “Additionally, through his work on the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research, he strongly supports investing in alternative and renewable energy sources, which will help the wine industry’s adoption of energy efficient methods.”
“Congressman Cardoza has advocated for research on sustainable and organic crop production and development of initiatives vital to the wine industry,” added Duckhorn. “He is a tireless supporter of our industry, and we are honored to recognize Congressman Dennis Cardoza.”
“In these difficult economic times, I believe it is important to support an industry that is one of the economic engines for California’s economy,” said Congressman Cardoza. “The California wine industry has a significant impact on the U.S. economy and generates thousands of jobs. I am pleased to accept this award and plan to continue doing all I can to support agriculture and viticulture.”
Since the 1940’s, Wine Institute has maintained a strong presence in Washington, D.C. to promote and protect the wine industry in tax, trade, legislative and regulatory matters. Each year, a vintner delegation from California travels to the nation’s capital for Wine Institute’s Washington Week. The group discusses important issues in working sessions with the country’s top decision-makers. The annual delegation visit builds upon the year-round work performed by Wine Institute.
Established in 1934, the Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiate and advocate state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible consumption and enjoyment of wine. The Wine Institute membership represents 95 percent of California production and 85 percent of U.S. production.
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