CAWG Board of Directors meeting, Sacramento
July 11
CAWG PAC fundraiser, Goehring Vineyards, Inc., Lodi
July 17
CAWG PAC Golf Tournament, Napa
July 17
CAWG Awards of Excellence Program and Dinner, Napa
July 18
CAWG Summer Conference, Napa
July 19
CAWG Board of Directors meeting, Napa
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eNews? Call 916-379-8995
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President Signs Executive Order to Boost American Agriculture
President Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order - titled Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America - in front of Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, a 14-member farmer roundtable and others. Former CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura was part of the roundtable. The executive order establishes the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity,
which directs Perdue to work with other members of the Cabinet to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations that hurt America's farmers and rural communities. The task force is required to produce a report within 180 days that will
identify and recommend legislative, regulatory and policy changes.
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Perdue Sworn in as Agriculture Secretary
Sonny Perdue was sworn in on April 25 as the 31st secretary of agriculture, nearly three months after being nominated for the post by President Trump. The U.S. Senate approved Perdue to lead the Department of Agriculture by a vote of 87-11
.
After Perdue took the oath of office, he addressed employees at USDA. "Making sure that Americans who make their livelihoods in the agriculture industry have the ability to thrive will be one of my top priorities. As secretary, I will champion the concerns of farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers, and will work tirelessly to solve the issues facing our farm families," Perdue said in his speech.
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Government Relations Capitol Report
The California Legislature is in the midst of one of the busiest times of the year as bills are debated for the first time in lengthy committee hearings. CAWG is very active in these hearings, advocating for growers. Members are encouraged to visit the CAWG website to review a detailed summary of priority bills for growers that are pending in Sacramento.
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UC Publication Highlights Groundwater, History of Ag Labor Relations Board
The following articles were published in the March/April issue of ARE Update, a publication of the Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics, University of California. >
READ
California's new groundwater law and the implications for groundwater markets
Abstract: The rules regarding the formation of groundwater sustainability agencies under California's new groundwater law will influence the development of groundwater markets. Multiple groundwater agencies are forming over single basins; there is potential for strategic interaction and welfare loss when trading occurs.
California's ALRA and ALRB After 40 Years
Abstract: The United Farm Workers Union claimed 67,000 members and 180 contracts in March 1973, and the Teamsters Union had dozens more contracts covering California farmworkers before the Agricultural Labor Relations Act was enacted in 1975. Forty years later, the number of unionized workers has fallen to less than 10,000 and there are fewer than 40 contracts with California farms. Farm labor remains in the news as additional laws to protect farmworkers are debated in the California Legislature, but there is little prospect of a return to the levels of unionization of the early 1970s.
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Hall Confirmed to Ag Labor Relations Board
The California Senate on April 20 confirmed Isadore Hall, a former state senator from Compton, for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB). His appointment, approved by a 25-13 party line vote, drew opposition from Republicans and agricultural industry groups. To read the bios of other ALRB members, click
here.
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State Board of Food and Agriculture Updates California Ag Vision
Ag Vision, developed in 2010 as a framework for the State Board of Food and Agriculture, was recently revised with new goals and strategies. The update focuses
on five priorities: water, regulatory environment, labor/human capital, resource preservation and stewardship, and outreach and communications. It also includes new goals emphasizing the need to create connections between farmers and the consuming public and for agricultural entities to thrive.
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Botrytis is showing signs of resistance to some commonly used fungicides. Resistance is also possible in powdery mildew.
Western Farm Press, April 26
Western Farm Press, April 26
President Trump told the leaders of Mexico and Canada on Wednesday that he would not immediately move to terminate NAFTA.
New York Times, April 26
Lawmakers warn that an executive order to withdraw from NAFTA would be a disaster.
Politico, April 26
Oregon agricultural groups, including the Oregon Winegrowers Association, hosted a forum last week on immigration policy and enforcement.
Capital Press, April 26
Article highlights the Sustainable Winegrowing Day, attended by more than 200 vineyard owners and managers.
Larry Bettiga, UCCE Monterey County, will receive the Extension Distinction Award. Dr. Andrew Walker, UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, will receive the ASEV Merit Award.
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Materials Available on SGMA Website
The State Water Resources Control Board recently sent a letter to each county regarding the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) - as a reminder of the upcoming SGMA deadline for formation of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.
The following materials are available on the State Water Board's website:
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Water Articles and Resources
California's agricultural vision makes the need for ample and ready supplies of irrigation water self-evident.
Western Farm Press, April 27
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2017 Flooded Vineyards and Orchards: What to do and Resources
Cooperative Extension San Joaquin County has published a notice offering tips on determining and reporting damage and losses, information for Farm Service Agency disaster programs, what to keep track of/take note of after a storm, and additional disaster relief resources.
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Save the Dates!
2017 CAWG Summer Conference in Napa
JULY 17
6th annual CAWG PAC Golf Tournament at the Silverado Resort Golf Course. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. An awards ceremony and reception will follow.
6th annual Awards of Excellence Program at the Silverado Resort and Spa. This event will include a reception, dinner, and awards for CAWG Leader of the Year and CAWG Grower of the Year.
JULY 18
CAWG Summer Conference. The speaker program will feature presentations from wine industry experts who will educate and inform on key 2017 issues affecting our business operations. CAWG's annual business meeting will take place after the speaker program.
JULY 19
CAWG board of directors meeting.
REGISTRATION, SPONSORSHIPS AND HOTEL
Registration and additional details will be available on the CAWG website soon. Please contact the CAWG office at 916-379-8995 if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities.
CAWG has negotiated a discounted room rate of $229 at the Silverado Resort and Spa. The deadline to book a room at this rate is Friday, June 16. To make a reservation under the CAWG room block, contact the hotel at 707-257-5440.
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CAWG PAC: Your Support Makes a Difference!
Mark your calendar and join us at upcoming fundraisers benefitting the CAWG PAC. Additional information is posted
here
.
JULY 11
/ Goehring Vineyards, Inc. / Lodi
JULY 17 /
6th annual CAWG PAC Golf Tournament at the Silverado Resort Golf Course / Napa
OCT. 19
/ San Joaquin Wine Company / Madera
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Heat Illness Prevention Train-the-Trainer
The
Western Center for Ag Health and Safety at UC Davis
is hosting free OSHA compliant train-the-trainer classes for FLCs, growers, crew leaders, safety offices and others. The training will be in Spanish. Classes will be held May 12 in Modesto, May 23 in Woodland and June 1 in Salinas.
Understanding U.S. Department of Labor - MSPA Requirements and H-2A Seminar
WHEN: May 12
WHERE: Napa Hampton Inn & Suites, Napa
Ag employers, FLCs and supervisors can learn from Department of Labor administrators what to expect in a compliance inspection. Sessions in English and Spanish. Space is limited. Free registration.
Independent Grape Growers-Paso Robles Area / May Educational Seminar
WHEN: May 17 / 1-4 p.m.
WHERE: La Quinta Inn, Paso Robles
Growers are invited to attend this seminar, which will focus on labor contractor liability, bloom time tissue analysis for vineyard fertility management, and issues and options for vertebrate pest control. There will also be a speaker from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
UCCE Foothill Grape Day 2017: Improving Your Vineyard "Culture"
WHEN: May 18 / 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: Amador County Fairgrounds, Plymouth
Meeting topics include foothill research update, successful vineyard plantings, vector of grapevine red blotch virus, Virginia creeper leafhopper, effect of high temperatures on fruit composition and tannin development in vineyards. Register by May 12. Cost is $40.
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