WASHINGTON — Wine Institute called on Congress to immediately reauthorize a critical U.S. Department of Agriculture program to provide direct emergency funds to wineries and grape growers during this unprecedented wildfire season. The Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) would provide critical financial support to help cover winegrape losses due to the wildfires.

“Extending WHIP+ to cover this year’s wildfires is absolutely essential to helping our community recover from an incredibly difficult year,” said Bobby Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. “The program covered wildfire losses from 2018 and 2019 but expired at the end of 2019. Congressman Mike Thompson is leading the effort to reauthorize WHIP+ and we are working closely with him in support of this effort. We are very grateful to the thousands of first responders who are fighting so hard to protect our communities and businesses. Now it is time for Congress to extend this proven program to speed the recovery for those who have suffered losses.”

You can learn more about the WHIP+ plus program here.

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment to responsibly produce, promote and enjoy wine. The Wine Institute membership represents 80 percent of U.S. wine production and 95 percent of U.S. wine exports. For more information visit www.wineinstitute.org.

–Wine Institute

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