Wyden Calls For Disaster Assistance for Winegrape Growers

Senator Ron Wyden is asking for additional assistance for winegrape growers impacted by wildfires this year. Oregon’s senior senator made the request to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture this week. In the 2019 disaster relief package, Congress provided $3 million through the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program, WHIP, for winegrowers whose grapes were damaged by wildfires in 2018 and 2019.

Wildfires have again burned millions of acres of land throughout the West and caused heavy layers of smoke in 2020. Because of that, Wyden said winegrape growers now require the same assistance. Wyden pointed out that wildfire smoke can alter the flavor of grapes, making them unusable for wine.

In a letter sent to the leadership of the Ag appropriations subcommittee, Wyden said "the WHIP program is designed to compensate producers in this very situation, and it is critical that Congress provide this necessary assistance."

By the way, Oregon’s other senator, Jeff Merkley is the ranking democrat on the Senate Ag Appropriations Committee.

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