Both the House and the Senate have passed the bill. The funding is dedicated to a research initiative at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth campus focused on weed and pest control of cranberry crops. Demand for cranberries has expanded rapidly in recent years, exceeding the domestic supply and spurring Canada and Russia to enter the market.
Increased productivity is key to helping Massachusetts growers compete in the global market.
Cranberries are the number one agricultural product in the Commonwealth - they are vital to our agricultural economy and heritage. Unfortunately, suburban encroachment and other restrictions are holding back growth. The best hope for the cranberry industry is through research into better production methods. A sustainable industry is essential to the health of our region's overall economy. In addition to the appropriated funding, Sens. Kennedy and Kerry cosponsored an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill on the floor of the Senate to benefit cranberry growers.