April 30, 2020
YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY.
PIERCE'S DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM REFERENDUM
Reminder to Mail Ballot by May 8!
If you have not yet mailed your ballot for the continuation of the valuable Pierce’s Disease Control Program, please do so by Friday, May 8 . CAWG urges growers to vote yes. At least 40 percent of the eligible voters must cast ballots for the referendum to be valid.
COVID-19 NEWS
CAWG Website Resource Page
Our website resource page includes all of our COVID-19 news alerts, as well as numerous links for state, federal and ag industry resources.
Help Inform Governor's New Task Force About Winegrape Growers' Challenges
Gov. Newsom recently created the Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery , a group of California business, labor, health and community leaders who will “chart a path forward on recovery in the wake of COVID-19.” Several members represent agriculture. The task force is charged with developing a series of proposed actions that state and local governments and businesses can take to help the state recover from the COVID-19 induced recession as quickly and safely as possible.

YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED!
CAWG has created a confidential and brief survey (nine questions) about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting winegrape growers and operations. The results will be forwarded to the task force to inform its members about the needs and challenges of the industry.
State Board of Food and Agriculture Webinar with Task Force Members
Ag stakeholders are invited to participate in an upcoming California State Board of Food and Agriculture webinar , during which the board will hold a discussion with ag members of the Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. Ag stakeholders will share their perspectives on post-recovery needs.

WHEN: May 5 / 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

> WEBINAR LINK / ID: 797-704-859
Government Relations Report
COVID-19 & EVER-CHANGING COUNTY ORDERS
The job of keeping employees safe from COVID-19 is complicated by overlapping and conflicting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cal/OSHA and counties.
 
In the last few days, many counties have extended or expanded their stay at home orders and created new orders – for example, requiring face coverings for everyone out in public. Keep in mind that there is political pressure for increased enforcement because of activities such as partying Orange County beachgoers who chose not to stay at home. 

Every county has a COVID-19 webpage that includes a list of all local orders. CAWG also has a  webpage  listing every county order. 

Please review these local orders periodically as they are changing quickly and many counties are beefing up enforcement.
 
-Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / 916-379-8995
Update on Roadmap to Reopen California
Gov. Newsom and the state public health officer yesterday presented an update ( view PDF slides ) that includes details about the four-stage plan to reopen California. Meanwhile, Modoc County officials announced that the county is planning to reopen on May 1, but with strict guidelines.
Virtual Townhall Hosted by Legislators Eggman, Galgiani
The chairs of the California Assembly and Senate Ag Committees – Assemblymember Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) and Sen. Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) – this week hosted a virtual town hall on the economic impact of COVID-19. Other participants included California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson, Roland Fumasi of Rabobank (CAWG member), Daniel Kowalski of CoBank (CAWG member) and Daniel Sumner of UC Davis.

> WATCH VIDEO (1:18)
Ag Groups Request Changes to PPP
Dozens of ag groups and businesses  sent a letter on April 27 to congressional leaders  stating, “several issues remain with the Small Business Administration's (SBA) implementation of the PPP that has made it challenging for farmers and ranchers to participate.” For the second round of funding the groups listed several priorities, such as expedited approval of applications for rural lenders, guidance for ag applicants, and an increase in SBA's eligibility cap for ag.
Related Resources and Articles
>Payroll Protection Program: FAQs updated April 29

>Fisher Phillips: Beyond the Curve: Back-to-Business Checklist . 14-page PDF highlights key issues that employers should be aware of when reopening.

Articles and commentary about how the North Coast wine business is navigating the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior and industry practices.

$3.64 million in new funding to expand the program.
CDFA, April 29

Public Policy Institute of California, April 22

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TOP NEWS ITEMS
$2M Research Effort to Address Smoke Exposed Grapes
USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is partnering with UC Davis, Oregon State University and Washington State University researchers on a collaborative $2 million research effort to address important wildfire issues affecting grape production areas. The West Coast Smoke Task Force (CAWG is a member) led the effort to obtain the federal funding. Researchers will look at smoke exposure in the vineyard, chemical changes in grapes and wines, and consumer perception of smoke taint.

“Thanks to the California congressional delegation, and especially Reps. Mike Thompson and Jimmy Panetta, for having secured this funding,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “Now, the funds are in the hands of outstanding researchers who are prepared to make important contributions to our understanding of how to better manage smoke exposure problems.”

In Memoriam: Larry Saarloos
We are saddened to share that Larry Saarloos, a former CAWG board member (2012-2017), passed away on April 24. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues. We appreciate Larry's contributions to CAWG and the winegrape industry.

The family has posted touching tributes and updates on the Saarloos and Sons Facebook page and Instagram account , including details about donations for a park in Los Olivos in Larry’s name.


WATER
Final Snow Survey and Reservoir Levels
The Department of Water Resources today conducted its fifth manual snow survey in the Sierra Nevada east of Sacramento. It recorded a snow depth of 1.5 inches and a snow water equivalent of 0.5 inches (3 percent of the average for this date). The statewide snow water equivalent is 8.4 inches (37 percent of normal for this date). Luckily, reservoirs are still full: 10 of the 12 major reservoirs are near or above historical average marks.

Photo: DWR
WEBINARS

WHEN:  May 6 / 10-11 a.m.
PRESENTERS:   Michael Miiller, CAWG; Jackson Gualco, The Gualco Group; and Katie Hansen, California Restaurant Association.

The California Legislature is set to return on May 4 after a six-week pause due to the stay-at-home order. This webinar will provide an update on state COVID-19 related matters, including labor and employment items of importance to ag.


Updating Your Injury & Illness Prevention Plan

WHEN:  May 7 / 10-11 a.m.
PRESENTERS:   Hector Corona and Dan Castillo with Pan American Insurance Services.

Presenters will discuss how your company can update your Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to include language relative to COVID-19 or similar pandemics.


R &D Tax Credit - Relief for Growers

> RECORDING  of the webinar
> PDF  of alliantgroup presentation with Reed Showalter and Mike Johanns.


Winegrape Contracts & Enforcement

> PDF of presentation by Dale Stern of Downey Brand.

REMINDER: Each CAWG regular grower member can call Downey Brand and receive a free 30-minute consultation per calendar quarter ( more details ).

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified Congress on April 24 that the agreement will enter into force on July 1.
AgNet West, April 30

At an April 23 meeting, the board approved $2.4 million to fund 12 research projects related to Pierce’s disease, grapevine viruses and mealybug vectors.
Wine Business, April 28

April issue

Spring issue

CALENDAR
MAY
12 / CAWG Annual Meeting Roadshow #1, Buellton - CANCELLED
13 / CAWG Annual Meeting Roadshow #2, Paso Robles - CANCELLED
13 / CAWG Regional & Board of Directors dinner, Paso Robles - CANCELLED
14 / CAWG Board of Directors meeting - Webinar

JUNE
17 / CAWG Annual Meeting Roadshow #3, Santa Rosa - TBD
17 / CAWG Annual Meeting Roadshow #4, Napa - TBD
23 / CAWG Foundation Golf Tournament , Woodbridge Golf & Country Club - TBD
24 / CAWG Annual Meeting Roadshow #5, Lodi - TBD

JULY
20 / CAWG Regional & Board of Directors dinner, Santa Rosa
21 / CAWG Board of Directors meeting, Santa Rosa