October 25th – SAN FRANCISCO — Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. Koch made the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement of $1.3 billion in funding and the new Regional Agriculture Promotion Program (RAPP) to promote U.S. agricultural exports including California wine:
“This announcement comes at a critical time for California wine producers and the program will provide much needed support to help boost our exports in markets around the world where we are often at a competitive disadvantage to foreign wine producers. Challenging market conditions are forcing U.S. wine producers to innovate new ways to expand and invest in developing markets. We applaud the administration for recognizing the need for this collaboration and funding. This will provide the essential resources to help many smaller wineries participate in global export programs and as a result grow their operations here in California.”
About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to protect the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination. To learn more about California wines, visit Discover California Wines.
