Representative Gifford, who currently holds the title of Assistant
House Minority Whip, will serve as Representative Jones’ designee on the
Cranberry Industry Revitalization Task Force.
Created as part of the Fiscal Year 2016 state budget, the 18-member task
force will look at ways to promote innovation in the cranberry farming
community while also addressing the impact of increased fixed costs, studying alternative
and renewable energy uses for growers, and investigating the unique geography,
culture and needs of the cranberry industry.
“Cranberry harvesting plays an important role in the Massachusetts
economy, particularly in the Southeastern part of the state, but the industry is
facing a number of challenges,” said Representative Jones. “I am confident Representative Gifford will
do a tremendous job helping the task force come up with both short-term and
long-term solutions to ensure the sustained growth of this vital industry.”
“As a co-sponsor of the legislation that established this
task force I am honored to be Minority Leader Jones’ appointee and look forward
to working toward solutions,” said Rep. Gifford. “This is not just about growing
cranberries but agricultural efficiencies and environmental innovations
focusing on long term goals. Many
growers have struggled to make ends meet for many years and the lack of
alternative options is making matters worse.”
According to a 2014 study of the “Economic Impact of the
North American Cranberry Industry” conducted by researchers at the University
of California, Davis, Massachusetts harvested over 2.1 million bbl (100 lb.
barrels) of cranberries in 2012 alone, or 26% of the U.S. total, making it the
second-largest cranberry-producing state after Wisconsin.
The report (available at http://www.uscranberries.com/Images/News/GeneralFolder/EIReport20140814.pdf) notes that “cranberries are the second-most important
agricultural product in Massachusetts, behind only greenhouse and nursery
products,” and found that the quarter billion dollar cranberry industry in
Massachusetts was responsible for 1,682 jobs and “nearly $50 million in direct
economic activity annually over 2009-2012.”
The task force is due to report back to the Legislature with
its findings and recommendations by February 1, 2016.
Representative Gifford represents the Second Plymouth
District, which consists of the communities of Carver, Wareham, and Precincts 3
and 6 in Middleborough. A member of the
Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2003, she currently serves on the
House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
