PRESS RELEASE: Walden Earns Award from National Association of Wheat Growers

Congressman one of only five "Wheat Advocates" in the U.S. House of Representatives

March 9, 2006

Washington, D.C. - The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) yesterday presented U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) with their "Wheat Advocate" award for his work in support of the wheat industry, which contributes over $200 million annually to Oregon's economy.  Walden was one of only five recipients of this award in the U.S. House of Representatives; it was presented in Washington, D.C. by the officers and board members of the Oregon Wheat Growers League.

"Throughout my seven years representing the Second District in Congress and having grown up on a cherry orchard in The Dalles, I've been proud to stand up for Oregon's hardworking farmers and ranchers who produce some of the highest quality food and fiber in the world.  Wheat is one of the most important crops in the district, and I will continue to do everything I can to support farm policies that allow wheat producers and our rural economies to do what they do best, from Umatilla County to Klamath County and points in between," said Walden, who recently spoke at the Pendleton Wheat League Growers Energy Symposium as part of a five-day, 1,800-mile trip throughout central, southern and eastern Oregon. 

"We applaud Congressman Walden's continued passion in supporting issues of importance to those of us in agriculture, and to wheat producers in particular.  He knows and understands how very important it is to growers in his district that he take a lead on farm commodity, energy, trade and transportation issues that help us remain competitive in a global marketplace.  Specifically, we appreciate his work to improve the region's transportation infrastructure, including the Columbia River system that provides a critical shipping lane for wheat growers in the Northwest and Upper Midwest," said 2005 NAWG President Sherman Reese of Echo. 

The Wheat Advocate Award is given annually by NAWG to a select number of Members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry and who have supported the wheat industry's policy goals. Recipients have demonstrated superior action in support of the goals and policies of the wheat industry. For many of this year's recipients, this meant sponsoring or leading the fight on legislation important to the wheat industry, or supporting legislation important to the wheat industry despite opposition.

According to NAWG's announcement, major issues taken into consideration for this year's awardees included strengthening of the 30-year old Endangered Species Act, estate tax repeal, energy and disaster assistance, the Transportation Reauthorization Act, the Water Resources Development Act reauthorization and the Energy Policy Act, which included several provisions to enhance biofuel and other alternative energy development.

If you have trouble opening the attached photo of Walden with the OWGL representatives receiving his award, please contact Angela Wilhelms at angela.wilhelms@mail.house.gov or (202) 226-7338. 

CAPTION (NAWG Award GW_Reese):  Congressman Walden is presented with the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) "Wheat Advocate" award by Sherman Reese of Echo, past-president of NAWG.

CAPTION (NAWG Award GW_OWGL): Congressman Walden meets with representatives from the Oregon Wheat Growers League in Washington, D.C. as the present him with a "Wheat Advocate" award from the National Association of Wheat Growers.  Front Row (L-R): Tammy Dennee, Pendleton; Justin Miller, Ione; Congressman Walden; Kevin Porter, Pendleton; Mike Noonan, Klamath Falls; Dale Case, Cove.  Middle Row (L-R): Sherman Reese, Echo; Darren Padget, Grass Valley; Karl Scronce, Klamath Falls.  Back Row (L-R): Shannon Rust, Echo; Don Coats, Rufus.

Congressman Greg Walden is currently in his fourth term representing the people of Oregon's Second District, which covers twenty counties in central, southern and eastern Oregon.  He is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Resources. 

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