YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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House Ag Committee Unanimously Passes WHIP+ Extension |
The House of Representatives has made progress toward reauthorizing and funding disaster assistance for 2020 and 2021 losses due to wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, drought, windstorms and more. The 2020 Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 267) passed out of the House Ag Committee on July 27 with unanimous, bipartisan support. In addition, Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) is prepared to offer an amendment to fund WHIP+ for 2020 and 2021 losses on the House floor when the FY 2021/22 ag appropriations bill is considered. CAWG will report on additional developments as they occur.
CAWG appreciates the ongoing support from the California Congressional delegation on disaster aid.
>PRESS RELEASE (Scott, Thompson applaud passage of H.R. 267 to extend WHIP+ for 2020 and 2021 disasters)
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Monday, Aug. 2: Crop Insurance Webinar |
WHEN: Aug. 2 / 2-3:30 p.m.
Is Crop Insurance Ready to Work for You When Wildfire Hits?
Presenters will review key lessons learned from past wildfire events and how the crop insurance program is prepared to respond to wildfire events this year for growers in California, Oregon and Washington. Presenters will also review potential changes to the program in response to wildfire and smoke-related losses of recent years.
Getting Paid for Your Loss
Crop insurance professionals will share their insights and experiences on lessons learned from 2020 and discuss the key issues you need to consider when you experience crop damage or losses due to wildfires and smoke.
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Wildfire Insurance Legislation SB 11 Signed by Newsom |
SB 11 (California FAIR Plan) was signed by Gov. Newsom on July 23, and as an urgency measure, took effect immediately. According to an Ag Alert article, the bill – sponsored by the California Farm Bureau and carried by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – “is a response to the challenges faced by farmers who lost insurance coverage because of the state's record-setting wildfires and found obtaining new coverage difficult and expensive, if not impossible.”
CAWG supported SB 11, which moved through the California Legislature with strong bipartisan support.
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View Recordings: 2021 UC Wildfire Symposium Series |
This symposium series – featuring experts from UC campuses and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources – focuses on various aspects of wildfires and impacts, plus extreme drought and climate change. Researchers share how their cutting-edge work on wildfires can help California achieve wildfire resilience and recovery goals.
Next event: Sept. 15
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View Recording: Harvest Readiness in Times of Wildfire |
This July 27 webinar featured Dr. Anita Oberholster, associate UC Cooperative Extension specialist in enology (presentation followed by Q&A).
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Ag Net West, July 28
Wine Spectator, July 28
Capital Public Radio, July 28
Ag Net West, July 27
North Bay Business Journal, July 26
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New COVID-19 Guidance Due to Delta Variant |
However, the new guidance is a little confusing relative to how it could potentially apply to a workplace. This is because of the following:
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The guidance states, “In workplaces, employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 emergency temporary standards (ETS)…and should consult those regulations for additional applicable requirements.”
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The ETS requires, in adopting a COVID-19 prevention program (CPP), “The employer shall review applicable orders and guidance from the State of California and the local health department related to COVID-19 hazards and prevention. These orders and guidance are both information of general application…and information specific to the employer's industry, location, and operations.”
- NOTE: Some county health officers are requiring mask use indoors, including “offices” and all other businesses.
Consequently, some employers may need to update their CPP to include this new guidance and county health orders. CAWG has a request in to Cal/OSHA to get clear direction on if/how this all applies to a workplace and will share this information as soon as we receive it. In the meantime, employers may want to seek the advice of their human resources professional or attorney.
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
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Daily updates on COVID-19 stats and facts for California.
Links for vaccines, masks, testing, travel, financial help, workers/businesses and more.
CDFA, July 28
Cal Matters, July 26
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Providing the very best California crop insurance services. |
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CDFA, USDA Update 2020 Grape Crush Report |
The 57-page California Errata to the Grape Crush Report Crop Year 2020 – released today – contains additional and revised data to the final report.
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Check Out These New Videos |
2021 CALIFORNIA GRAPE HARVEST & MARKET UPDATE
Interview with Jeff Bitter, president of Allied Grape Growers and CAWG board secretary, who provides an update about the winegrape harvest, market, industry challenges and what to expect with the 2021 vintage.
PREHARVEST CONVERSATIONS GROWERS & WINERIES NEED TO HAVE REGARDING SMOKE TAINT
Bitter shares key insights on some of the conversations growers need to have with their wineries to prepare for potential smoke taint concerns.
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A Big Deal: Bipartisan Infrastructure Package Moves Forward |
President Biden and a bipartisan group of U.S. senators on July 28 announced agreement on a $1 trillion infrastructure package that includes $550 billion of spending on public works infrastructure. The White House calls the bipartisan agreement “a once-in-a-generation investment in our infrastructure.” The measure, which passed 67-32, includes funding for Western water infrastructure plus roads, bridges, highways, rail, public transportation, electric vehicles, airports, ports and waterways. It also ensures reliable high-speed internet to all Americans.
According to a Wall Street Journal article, “The package still faces a long road to becoming law. Having cleared this first procedural hurdle, lawmakers will now need to navigate a lengthy amendment process while maintaining a bipartisan coalition that faces pressure from conservatives and progressives.”
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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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New Emergency Water Order |
Last year, Gov. Newsom and some state agencies were sued for specific regulatory actions taken in response to the pandemic. Plaintiffs argued those emergency actions must be limited to what is allowed under the specific authority as provided in California law. The drought is now resulting in similar questionable emergency actions being taken in 2021.
The State Water Resources Control Board (board) this week held an informational workshop about a proposed emergency regulation that would curtail diversions within the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The proposed regulation would apply to around 5,000 users and cover all water rights, including landowners with pre-1914 water rights (the most senior of water rights).
In recent weeks, the board has ratcheted up restrictions on water use for about 4,300 junior rights holders in the Delta, Russian River and Scott River watersheds. The board has also expanded curtailments in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds.
The board will take up the emergency Delta regulation at its meeting next week. CAWG and other ag organizations believe the board has no jurisdiction over pre-1914 water rights and we are asking the board to limit its drought actions to the authority it has under the water code.
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
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Drought and Reservoir Conditions |
Statistics comparing current conditions to this time last year.
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UCD Wine & Vit: Virtual Open House & Career Fair for Prospective Students |
Please share this with anyone who may be interested in exploring a career in the grape and wine industries. >EVENT DETAILS
As part of the event (4-6 p.m.), industry representatives are invited to host breakout rooms for prospective students to discuss career opportunities in the grape and wine industries. >REGISTER
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CDFA, July 28
North Bay Business Journal, July 22
Good Fruit Growers, July 21
WATER
Study identifies innovative approaches to minimize flood and drought impacts.
Reclamation, July 27
Cal Matters, July 27
Capital Public Radio, July 24
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AUGUST
2 / West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force: Crop Insurance Webinar — register
SEPTEMBER
10 / Nominations due for CAWG Grower & Leader of the Year — details
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