GRAPEVINE

By DAVID ELLIS

The broccoli-hating President may have a big problem if he visits Colorado. The state's house of representatives passed a bill on Feb. 4 to prohibit anyone from making disparaging comments about perishable fruit, vegetables and dairy products. Supporters of the bill, who contend it won't curtail First Amendment rights, believe the 1989 controversy over Alar-sprayed apples proves that agricultural goods need special protection from defamatory comments. The measure, which awaits a vote by the Colorado senate, was drafted by Representative Steve Acquafresca, who moonlights as a consultant to fruit growers.

With reporting by Linda Williams