Tree Fruit Day

Yesterday was Tree Fruit Day in Washington State. What is that? It's a time when members of the tree fruit industry travel to the state capital and spend the day talking to legislators about issues important to the industry and it's extremely important to the industry to have this time to connect with members of congress. The Ag Network's KayDee Gilkey has more.

GILKEY: Each year members of the tree fruit industry spend time talking to legislators one-on-one discussing issues like the need for water and regulations that deal with pesticides. In many cases the legislators don't have an ag background and a lot of the visit is about education so decision can be made with confidence and not have severe repercussions. One of the highlights of Tree Fruit Day is the distribution of more than 300 gift packs delivered to legislators and other officials. The event is becoming well recognized by legislators and their staff. Companies donated apples, pears, apple juice and other industry-related items.

Thanks KayDee. There is no substitute for growers telling their stories face-to-face of how a proposed measure will impact their orchard operations. This is the 14th annual Tree Fruit Day and last year there were over 20 members that participated in over 50 appointments held with Washington State Legislators.

That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.