The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE AMERICAN VITICULTURE AND ENOLOGY RESEARCH NETWORK” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1097 on June 17, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE AMERICAN VITICULTURE AND ENOLOGY RESEARCH NETWORK
______
HON. ELIZABETH FURSE
of oregon
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 17, 1996
Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, a very important conference took place last week in Washington, DC. Its purpose was to create the foundation of the American Viticulture and Enology Research Network [AVERN].
AVERN is a new private-State-Federal partnership composed of wine industry leaders and researchers that could be a model for all of agriculture. I was proud to lead the effort to encourage the U.S. Department of Agriculture to participate in this network, which should lead to an efficient allocation of resources that will well serve our producers and the taxpayers.
This week, the leaders of AVERN have put in place the network to coordinate the solicitation of problems and needs from the industry nationwide. This network will further define those problems and identify potential solutions. It will prioritize the needs on a national basis and then set up the mechanisms to search for funding to solve these problems on a national level.
Another initiative integral to the wine industry is the Pacific Northwest Small Fruits Research Center. I have worked to ensure Federal funding for it, because I believe this is the kind of investment the Federal Government should be making. It is important to note that this center is also financially supported by the grape and wine growers and those who produce other berries including strawberries, blackberries, boysenberries, and cranberries.
Federal investment in research is extremely cost effective. Both AVERN and the Small Fruits Research Center are outstanding programs and I commend everyone involved with them.
____________________
