Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 106 Part 3.djvu/491

 PUBLIC LAW 102-468—OCT. 23, 1992 106 STAT. 2285 Public Law 102-468 102d Congress Joint Resolution Designating February 21, 1993, through February 27, 1993, as "American Wine Oct. 23, 1992 Appreciation Week", and for other purposes. [H.J. Res. 489] Whereas wine was produced by our Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, and winegrape growing and wine production in the United States continue today as a significant agricultural industry in 43 of the States; Whereas the history of winegrape growing in the world dates back over 7,000 years and it continues as a proud tradition nurtured by the small farmer in all regions of the United States; Whereas this agricultural industry is comprised of thousands of family-owned farms, many of which are passed on from generation to generation, sustaining responsible preservation of our agricultural resources; Whereas more than 1,300 wineries and over 8,000 grape and fruit growers around the country work cooperatively to create wine; Whereas over 85 percent of all wine consumed in the United States is produced by United States winemakers; Whereas the direct economic impact of the United States wine industry is estimated to account for over $8,000,000,000 in sales annually, including the support of over 200,000 jobs as well as $1,000,000,000 in governmental taxes and fees; Whereas the United States wine industry contributes to our quality of life by its ongoing contributions to organizations and associations in the health, civic, and educational sectors of the country; Whereas acclaim for wine produced in the United States has grown internationaly for many years and these products account for an increasing percentage of United States exports, helping to reduce the United States trade deficit; Whereas wine, consimied in moderation, enhances the appetite and provides delicious accompaniment to all types of regional cuisine in the United States, enriching the quality of li^fe for the citizenry of the United States; and Whereas wine has fulfilled a valued role in a wide variety of the cultural, religious, and familial traditions of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That— (1) the Congress commends the winegrape and fruit growers and vintners of the United States for the production of such high quality agriciiltural products; and

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