Wisconsin Ag Connection: State Lawmakers to Serve on National Cranberry Caucus
Democrat and Republican Congressional leaders from Wisconsin and Massachusetts are joining together to create a legislative panel dedicated to supporting the nation's cranberry industry.
Known as the Congressional Cranberry Caucus, the group will work to address issues facing the industry, while educating other members of Congress about cranberry production, processing and marketing.
The 'caucus' held their first meeting last week in Washington, D.C. The panel is being co-chaired by Appleton Lawmaker Reid Ribble and Rep. William Keating and Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, all of Massachusetts.
Wisconsin Reps. Sean Duffy, Ron Kind and Tom Petri and Senator Ron Johnson are also members of the special committee.
Cranberries have grown in popularity in recent years, as producers have been promoting the fruit as a good source for Vitamin C and antioxidants. But industry officials worry that the push for stricter labeling laws intended to combat sugary beverages could harm cranberry growers and processors.
