YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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Newsom Proposes $2B in Wildfire, Emergency Preparedness |
Gov. Newsom this week announced a $2 billion proposal as “the single largest investment in wildfire preparedness” in state history. The plan includes urgent action to support wildfire suppression, improve forest health and build wildfire resilience in communities. Specific investments: $48.4 million for 12 new Cal Fire helicopters and seven large air tankers, $143 million to support 30 additional fire crews, and $708 million to restore landscape and forest health to be more resilient to wildfires.
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West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force Smoke Summit — Virtual
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WHEN: June 8 / 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
ABOUT: Several presenters will deliver the latest research and help us understand how industry operators can use lessons learned from last year’s wildfire smoke experience to better cope with the next wildfire event. The task force was formed by industry leaders and three West Coast winegrowing associations: CAWG, Oregon Winegrowers and Washington Winegrowers.
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Wildfire Preparedness Webinar |
CSWA, CAWG and Wine Institute hosted a May 24 webinar focused on wildfire preparedness for vineyards and wineries. Speakers included representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation District, CalFire, CAWG and Wine Institute.
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Wildfire Legislation Introduced in Congress |
WILDFIRE EMERGENCY ACT: The bicameral Wildfire Emergency Act was introduced this week by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and other California Congressional members. The legislation, which aims to reduce catastrophic wildfires in the West, has three primary provisions: Forest restoration projects; critical infrastructure and energy flexibility; and research, training and disadvantaged communities. The bill is supported by a diverse group representing ag, environment, forestry, conservation, energy and government.
WILDFIRE STUDY BILL: Panetta and Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.) introduced bipartisan legislation that directs the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior to determine the direct and indirect costs wildfires have on federal, state, and local governmental entities, as well as ag producers, property owners, evacuation centers and more.
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According to Cal Fire, California has already experienced a significant increase in the number of wildfires and acres burned compared to this time last year. Between Jan. 1 and May 18 this year, there were 2,436 wildfires that burned 14,717 acres. For that same time period in 2020, there were 1,554 wildfires that burned 2,617 acres. With this rise in fire activity, it's critical to be prepared. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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Western Farm Press, May 27
Napa Valley Register, May 26
Vine Pair, May 26
San Jose Mercury News, May 26
PPIC, May 17
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New Study Shows 'Rootstock Choice is Crucial for Grape Growers' |
A new San Joaquin Valley-based study examined two grapevine scion varieties (chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon) grafted to 15 different rootstocks and determined the effect of rootstocks on eight traits important to viticulture. Researchers demonstrated a greater than 50% increase in yield, pruning weight or Ravaz index by choosing the right rootstock, indicating that rootstock choice is crucial for grape growers looking to improve vine performance. According to researcher Zoë Migicovsky, the project was the result of a collaboration that began in 1991 when UCANR’s Paul Verdegaal designed the experimental vineyard.
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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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Government Relations Report |
THE INSOLVENT UI FUND
Coming out of the Great Recession, the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) fund faced several years of insolvency. The historic high unemployment rate in 2020 has again caused the UI fund to be in debt. That insolvency is currently at $21 billion and is expected to grow to $24 billion by the end of this year. To address this, the governor’s 2021-22 budget proposal includes $1.1 billion to pay down a portion of the outstanding loan from the federal government. That loan created the current insolvency and was needed for the state to meet its obligation to pay UI benefits to unemployed claimants.
To pay down this debt, employers will see an increase in their UI taxes. Generally speaking, employers pay a UI tax of about $42 per employee per year. This is assuming the state’s UI fund is solvent. However, if the fund is insolvent for more than two years, the tax rate increases annually until the fund becomes solvent. If it takes 18 years to pay down the federal debt, the maximum UI tax would rise to $420 per employee annually.
This is why CAWG and other industry associations are asking for the state to pay down the federal debt more expeditiously. The current $1.1 billion payment is a start, but the state needs to do more – and do it sooner rather
than later. Absent a larger payment by the state this year, California employers will shoulder this financial burden for years to come.
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
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GOP Ag Committee Members Question Proposed Tax Increases on Farms |
President Biden’s American Families Plan specifies over 98% of farm estates will not owe any tax at transfer, provided the farm stays in the family. For the 2% that would owe, they'd be taxed on their non-farm assets. Republican members of the Senate Ag Committee are now asking USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide details and supporting economic analysis showing how that 98% will not be impacted by proposed tax changes.
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Providing the very best California crop insurance services. |
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Offshore Wind Project for Northern, Central California |
Morro Bay and Humboldt have been identified as future sites for offshore wind development, as part of the Biden administration’s clean energy goals. The White House this week convened Gov. Gavin Newsom, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Under Secretary for Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl to announce the offshore wind plan. The effort would open up the Pacific Coast to its first commercial scale offshore clean energy projects.
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COVID-19 Resources and Articles |
COVID19.CA.GOV
NEW Vaccination toolkit for employers: The toolkit eases the process for employers to request a workplace clinic or find a local provider partner, making vaccines even more accessible for your employees.
COUNTY DATA AS OF MAY 25:
Substantial/red = 8 (May 18 = 10)
Moderate/orange = 35 (May 18 = 35)
Minimal/yellow = 15 (May 18 = 13)
CDPH
CAWG
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Napa County: Winegrape Production Value Down 51% |
The gross value of Napa County winegrape production in 2020 was $461.4 million, down 50.8% from $938.5 million in 2019 and a record-breaking $1.04 billion in 2018. Total production dropped by 60,411 tons or 37.8%. Red winegrapes: 71,223 tons (121,100 in 2019); 35,863 producing acres (34,824 in 2019); $383,276,900 value ($828,687,600 in 2019). White winegrapes: 28,088 tons (38,622 in 2019); 9,378 producing acres (9,386 in 2019); $78,118,400 value ($109,274,200 in 2019). Cabernet sauvignon had the most bearing acreage at 23,500. Cabernet franc was No. 1 in price per ton at $7,097.
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Wine Business, May 27
Ag Alert, May 26
May 26
AgNet West, May 25
California Water Blog / Jay Lund, May 23
Forbes, May 20
A handful of CA winemakers are convinced that long-maligned hybrid grape varieties are the future
SF Chronicle, May 19
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2021 Membership Directory |
The 2021 CAWG Membership Directory -- full-color, digital format -- is NOW AVAILABLE!
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CAWG PAC Honors Sen. Bill Dodd |
Jackson Family Wines to Host Special Event at La Crema Estate/Saralee's Vineyard in Windsor
WHEN: June 17 / 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of fantastic appetizers, wine, networking...plus a special celebration and award to Sen. Bill Dodd for his years of leadership and public service.
>FLYER (event details, registration, sponsorships)
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Labor and the Harvest Season
WHEN: June 3 / 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
ABOUT: The webinar will discuss how the worsening labor shortage may impact the harvest season and ways that integrated logistics planning and scheduling can help you prepare.
HOSTS: CAWG and G3 Enterprises
PRESENTER: Yvonne Sams, senior director of CA logistics for G3’s hauling team.
The Importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Grape and Wine Industries
WHEN: June 7 / 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
PRESENTERS: Representatives from UC Davis and individuals working in the wine/winegrape industries.
Office Hours with Dave and Anita: Delayed Spring Growth and Cold Damage in the Vineyard
WHEN: June 17 / 2 – 3 p.m.
ASEV-NGRA Precision Viticulture Symposium
WHEN: June 21 / 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
ABOUT: This one-day symposium convenes precision viticulture experts, as well as growers applying precision technology and techniques. Symposium segments: Opening and closing keynote presentations, vine management, pests and diseases, crop estimation and other tools, and early adopters.
HOSTS: American Society for Enology and Viticulture and National Grape Research Alliance
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