Hastings Agreement Protects Washington Cherries

Secures Commitment for Training of Additional Canine Screening Teams
June 24, 2009 -- (WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Congressman Doc Hastings (WA-04) secured a commitment from the Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee David Price (D-NC) that the training of additional canine screening teams will be funded by the appropriations bill under consideration in the House today. These canine teams will be trained and deployed to screen airline cargo, including fruit like Washington cherries."

Perishable items like cherries can be easily harmed by screening equipment and delayed getting to market," said Hastings. "The House accepted my amendment earlier this month to increase the number of canine teams used for air cargo screening by no less than 100, and my agreement today with Chairman Price will put us on the path to funding those teams and meeting that goal. By doing so we will increase safety on American airlines and help ensure that cherry growers are able to get their fruit transported around the world in a timely manner."

The 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 requires 100 percent cargo screening on passenger airplanes to be implemented by August 2010. Because half of all cherries exported from the Pacific Northwest are transported on passenger aircraft, new TSA screening requirements have been an issue of great concern to cherry growers.

The highly perishable nature of cherries make them easily damaged by screening equipment and leave them open to being ruined by even minor delays in getting to market. Canine teams have been identified as the most workable way to screen cherries and other perishable items.

Click here to watch video of the Hastings/Price agreement on the House floor.

#  #  #