YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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CAWG, AGG Release Legal Analysis on 2020 Winegrape Rejections |
A report released June 8 by CAWG and Allied Grape Growers analyzes various grape transactions in 2020 that resulted in rejections or severe price discounts due to alleged quality problems associated with wildfire smoke. Prepared by Downey Brand, LLP of Sacramento, the report examines how these transactions comport with prevailing contract terms, reviews the applicable law and potential liability of wineries that rejected winegrapes, and provides guidance to growers on how they might protect themselves in the future. >PRESS RELEASE
READ THE 13-PAGE ANALYSIS ONLINE AT:
JULY 16 WEBINAR
CAWG and AGG will discuss the report’s findings and conclusions on July 16 at 10 a.m. PDT.
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N-95 Masks for Ag Workers |
Wildfires are going to continue to be a serious problem in the West. The Associated Press reported, “between Jan. 1 and July 4, there were 4,599 fires that scorched 114.8 square miles (297 square kilometers), according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. In the same time frame last year, there were 3,847 fires that blackened 48.6 square miles (126 square kilometers).”
Consequently, we all need to be prepared for fires. For growers, this includes keeping a supply of N-95 masks in stock for employees’ voluntary use when they are exposed to poor air quality from wildfire smoke. Because smoke from wildfires can travel many miles, employers in most parts of California may experience poor air quality from wildfire smoke at some time this year.
AB 73 (R. Rivas, D-Hollister) would safeguard against the potential unavailability of N-95 masks by prospectively allowing ag employees access to the California Department of Public Health personal protective equipment stockpile during wildfire smoke situations.
In 2020 we learned that high demand for N-95 masks can substantially reduce supply and in many cases, employers were unable to purchase the masks. Therefore, on an ad hoc basis, the state released N-95 masks from its emergency stockpile to address the immediate need. AB 73 builds on that success and proposes a longer-term solution by assuring that N-95 masks will be available if they are in short supply in the marketplace.
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
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Many growers are having difficulty finding commercial property insurance due to the increased risk of wildfires. While insurers are required to cover residential property, there is no similar requirement for commercial property.
To address this problem, SB 11 (Rubio, D-Los Angeles) clarifies that the California FAIR Plan can insure structures on farm land. In the last decade, more Californians have turned to the FAIR Plan as wildfires have devastated California and some insurers have pulled back from these markets.
SB 11 is an urgency measure, which means it would take effect as soon as it is signed into law. The bill was approved by the California Legislature this week and sent to Gov. Newsom for his consideration. Newsom has 12 days from the date the bill lands on his desk to sign or veto the bill. We are confident SB 11 will be signed soon, making FAIR Plan insurance available in the near future.
>ARTICLE ( NorCal wineries, farmers vie for FAIR share of wildfire insurance coverage / North Bay Business Journal, July 3
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
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Interviewees Sought for Radio Show on CA Wildfires |
Capital Public Radio (CapRadio) is partnering with other National Public Radio stations across California to present a special radio show and discussion on California wildfires. CapRadio wants to hear from residents about how wildfires have impacted your life, what resources helped, how you found those resources, fire safety and prevention methods, etc. Click the details link to find out how you can participate.
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House Hearing on Wildfire Science |
The House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology on June 29 held a hearing: State of Federal Wildland Fire Science: Examining Opportunities for Further Research & Coordination. Topics included fire mapping, fire behavior models, remote sensing and federal coordination regarding standardized warning and recording systems and post-recovery efforts. Speakers included Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and the director of the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center at San Jose State University.
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Providing the very best California crop insurance services. |
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Government Relations Report |
2021-22 STATE BUDGET
Gov. Newsom on June 29 signed the state budget. This spending plan is comprised of 20 different bills and will include additional legislation in the next few months. Below are a few highlights relative to agriculture:
WATER/DROUGHT
- The budget includes a $3.5 billion package for “water resilience/drought.” Future budget trailer bills will contain additional expenditures, authorizations and legislative direction. CAWG is pushing for $20 million in funding for irrigation ponds on ag lands.
- The Department of Water Resources anticipates about $130 million in additional project grants for groundwater sustainability agencies (details yet to be determined).
- It is anticipated there may be $30 million for Sustainable Groundwater Management Act-related fallowing of ag lands (details yet to be determined).
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
- $6 million to examine the need for a streamlined, one-stop interagency permit system for growers. The intent is to ease the burden on growers applying for and maintaining multiple permits.
AIR RESOURCES BOARD
- $180 million for transitioning away from ag burn in the San Joaquin Valley.
DEPARTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGULATION
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
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With over 30 harvests, the G3 Ag Team has deep experience in winegrape hauling. Our operational expertise and agile planning combine to provide responsive service for wineries and grape growers large and small. Click on image or here to view video.
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Reminder! July 14 Deadline for EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts Applications
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*Deadline extended to July 14*
NRCS-California is offering drought assistance through its new Environmental Quality Incentives Program-Conservation Incentive Contracts (EQIP-CIC). The program will provide long-term support to address drought on ag and other lands. Six high-priority areas were identified for the program, including statewide cropland and San Joaquin Valley cropland. NRCS California is looking to invest $22.7 million for drought-related conservation practices.
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CA Residents Urged to Conserve Water by 15% |
Fifty counties are now under a drought state of emergency after Gov. Newsom yesterday added Inyo, Marin, Mono, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties to the list. He also signed an executive order urging Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15% to protect water reserves if drought conditions continue and to help maintain critical flows for fish and wildlife. A similar conservation campaign was introduced during the 2012-2016 drought; in 2015, the State Water Board adopted a 25% mandatory water conservation regulation.
>ARTICLE (California has some of America’s richest farmland – but what is it without water? New York Times, June 28)
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Cal/OSHA this week issued a HIGH HEAT ADVISORY to remind employers to protect outdoor workers from heat illness. For a listing of helpful resources, click here.
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Join Us! Watch Your Email Next Week for Agenda
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WHEN: July 21 / 10-11:30 a.m.
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The July issue was emailed to members yesterday. You can access the digital copy here.
If your company is interested in placing an ad in an upcoming issue, please contact Meredith Ritchie at meredith@cawg.org.
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JULY
16 / Webinar for A Legal Analysis: 2020 Winegrape Rejections — register
21 / CAWG Annual Meeting (virtual) — register
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