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Agriculture Committee Approves Foxx Christmas Tree Bill
Washington, DC,
December 13, 2007
The House Agriculture Committee today unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) that recognizes the contributions of the live Christmas tree industry to the United States economy. The measure (HJ Res 15)
Contact: Aaron Groen Bill recognizing importance of Christmas tree industry unanimously approved The House Agriculture Committee today unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) that recognizes the contributions of the live Christmas tree industry to the United States economy. The measure (HJ Res 15) now heads to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote before the full House.
Americans purchased $1.2 billion in real Christmas trees in 2006 and the industry employed more than 100,000 people. In North Carolina alone there are approximately 50 million Fraser fir Christmas trees grown on more than 25,000 acres by at least 1,600 different Christmas tree growers. North Carolina ranks as the number one Christmas tree producing state in the nation in terms of the retail value of the trees sold and number two in terms of the number of trees harvested. “As a former Christmas tree grower I understand the importance of a strong market for live Christmas trees,” Foxx said. “That’s why I am so proud of the growers in the Fifth District who regularly produce the finest Christmas trees in America. In recognition of this excellence, this year’s White House Christmas tree once again came from the High Country.” ### |
“Christmas trees have held an historic place in traditional American family values since 1850,” Rep. Foxx said. “Just as importantly, Christmas trees play a vital role in the North Carolina High Country’s economy by providing jobs and livelihoods for thousands of North Carolinians.”