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YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS
FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY
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This Week's eNews Includes:
CAWG News:
- 2023 Wine Industry Leader Awards - CAWG Staff and Board Director Recognized
- CA Ag Groups Push for Disaster Assistance
- UFW Leader Causes Ironic Stir
- Reception Honoring CAWG-Sponsored SB 659
- October Issue of American Vineyard Magazine - CAWG @ Work Column
- Save the Date! CAWG PAC Event During Unified Wine & Grape Symposium
Industry News:
- Automation: Does Safety Meet Regulation's Expectations @ FIRA USA 23
- Treasury Wine Estates Acquires DAOU Vineyards for Up to $1 Billion
- USDA is Providing $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters
- Demand Down for Sustainable and Conventional Grape Prices, But Up for Organics
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Sacramento Delta Wineries Launch New Venture: The Clarksburg Winery Collective
Upcoming Events:
- Biochar: Observed Vineyard Impact & Practical Insights for Application Webinar - Nov. 6
- Napa Valley Grapegrowers ROOTSTOCK Conference - Nov. 6-7
- Malcolm Media's Tree and Vine Expo - Nov. 7
- Malcolm Media's Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo - Nov. 10
- Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management Webinar - Nov. 13
- New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar - Dec. 12
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2023 Wine Industry Leader Awards - CAWG Staff and Board Director Recognized
Wine Business Monthly has announced its 2023 Wine Industry Leaders Awards, recognizing 41 individuals who are shaping the North American wine industry, including Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations at CAWG, and Jeff Bitter, a current CAWG Board Member.
Michael Miiller's impactful advocacy work has influenced legislation and public policies to benefit winegrape growers in California, emphasizing the economic importance of winegrapes to Capitol stakeholders.
Jeff Bitter has been instrumental in advancing the wine grape industry by providing market data, fostering transparency, and promoting collaboration among growers, ensuring the success of viticulture.
CAWG is honored to have both Michael on Jeff on our team and congratulates them on their well-deserved recognition.
Additional CAWG members recognized include Stephanie Bolton, Lodi Winegrape Commission; Late Paul Dolan, Fetzer VIneyards; Cynthia Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; Brie Wohld, Trinchero Family Estates, Caroline Merrell, Jackson Family Wines, and John Holder, Scheid Family Wines.
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CA Ag Groups Push for Disaster Assistance
CAWG was part of a coalition of agricultural groups that submitted a letter to the California congressional delegation urging Congress to swiftly respond and pass a disaster relief package for farmers and ranchers. This letter aims to highlight the significant hardships and losses experienced by the state's agricultural producers and communities throughout the relentless natural disasters that unfolded over the 2023 year.
In total, present assessments reveal that the state has confronted a staggering $2.4 billion in agricultural damages and losses due to the many weather-related challenges experienced throughout this year.
The coalition of ag groups asked that Congress consider improvements to disaster programs including the timely delivery of assistance and amending the AGI allowances for many standing disaster programs.
Of note, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have authored legislation, H.R. 4127 (companion S.2704 in Senate) Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act of 2023 that would exempt the AGI limitation for farms that get 75% of their income from farming or related farming practices and apply to the disaster programs.
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UFW Leader Causes Ironic Stir
Richie Ross is best known in Sacramento as a campaign consultant for many of California’s most powerful Democrat lawmakers and for being a longtime lobbyist and ally of the United Farm Workers. For almost every major piece of legislation sought by the UFW, including overtime, card check, and more, Ross has been working the halls of the Capitol.
Lorena Gonzalez, who heads up the California Labor Federation, has made it clear that she wants the labor movement to utilize the talents and services of only those who are loyal to labor unions. She has even suggested a blacklist for consultants who run afoul of unions.
So, on the surface, it would seem to make sense that, given his extensive labor union resume and political acumen, Ross might be the ideal consultant for the Labor Federation. Yet, Ross’s current consultant contract with Gonzalez has come under scrutiny as some labor leaders believe Ross is not loyal enough to labor unions.
This is because, over the years, Ross has also represented clients in the oil industry and worked on a campaign to defeat a ballot measure that would have increased real estate taxes. Feeding labor’s discontent for Ross is the underlying theme in today’s labor movement, where seemingly there is no room for diversity of opinion. This was best articulated earlier this year by then-Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, who said any lawmaker who doesn’t vote 100% with labor unions on legislation is “an A**Hole.”
All of this begs the ironic question of whether Richie Ross, who once organized boycotts with Cesar Chavez, doesn’t measure up to today’s labor union standards and might be considered by current labor union leaders to be an A**Hole. NOTE: Rendon is married to Ross’s cousin.
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Reception Honoring
CAWG-Sponsored SB 659
Earlier this week, CAWG staff joined Senator Ashby (D-Sacramento) and the Regional Water Authority to celebrate the passing of SB 659 to increase groundwater storage.
The California Water Supply Solutions Act of 2023, puts California on a path to develop additional groundwater recharge opportunities that increase the replenishment of the state’s groundwater basins.
“SB 659 represents the most significant effort since creation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in 2014, in emphasizing the supply side of managing groundwater,” said Natalie Collins, CAWG President. “CAWG thanks Governor Newsom and Senator Angelique Ashby for their leadership in helping to secure California’s water future. We also thank SB 659’s co-sponsor, Regional Water Authority in Sacramento for partnering with CAWG on this important legislation.”
Read the full eAlert here.
Learn more about SB 659.
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Quote of the Week:
“The message is finally hitting home."
Dan Walters on California’s efforts to increase water storage, both above-ground and in aquifers, to replace the natural reservoir of the Sierra snowpack as it recedes.
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October Issue of American Vineyard Magazine - CAWG @ Work Column
The October issue of the American Vineyard Magazine is now available featuring CAWG's new monthly column, CAWG @ Work.
Each month CAWG will contribute to the magazine, discussing relevant industry trends. October's article featured The Future of Farming Event the CAWG Foundation hosted at Wilson Family Vineyards and Silt Winery in Clarksburg. This event offered key policymakers valuable insights into the latest developments in autonomous equipment and innovations within the wine grape sector.
Read the October column online, hint - it's on page 14.
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Save the Date! CAWG PAC Event During Unified Wine & Grape Symposium
Join CAWG for a rockin' good time while supporting the CAWG PAC on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, during the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium at Ace of Spades!
Last year's event was a sold-out success so we are bringing it back this year. Live music will be on tap by Remedy 7, featuring our very own Michael Miiller (CAWG's Director of Government Relations) on drums.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available, contact Jenny Devine for more information.
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Automation: Does Safety Meet Regulation's Expectations @ FIRA USA 23 | |
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FIRA USA was a three-day event held in September at the Salinas Sports Complex that brought together all aspects of autonomous farming and agricultural robotics solutions.
Michael Miiller, CAWG's Director of Government Relations, participated in a panel discussion addressing how the AgTech industry can work with regulators to minimize the costs of regulatory compliance and impact the cost for on AgTech startups and growers when states like California and Arizona make different policies with different rationales.
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Treasury Wine Estates Acquires DAOU Vineyards for Up to $1 Billion
DAOU Vineyards, founded in 2007 by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou and known for their luxury wines in Paso Robles, has been acquired by Treasury Wine Estates for up to $1 billion.
A press release from Treasury Wine Estates states, "The acquisition will strengthen Treasury America’s position as a leading and iconic U.S. luxury wine business, increasing its presence with both wholesale and retail channel accounts and leveraging the strength of its luxury footprint to drive expansion across the U.S. with plans to launch a Napa-sourced brand tier."
Paso Robles has gained attention in recent years for producing outstanding wines and this acquisition is a testament to the region's growing prominence in the global wine market.
Below are articles related to the purchase:
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USDA is Providing $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters
USDA will provide more than $3 Billion to commodity and specialty crop producers that were impacted by natural disasters occurring in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The ERP 2022 program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters.
ERP 2022 covers losses to crops, trees, bushes, and vines due to qualifying, calendar year 2022 natural disaster events including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought and related conditions.
ERP 2022 program benefits will be delivered to eligible producers through a two-track process. For both tracks, all producers must have certain required forms on file with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within 60 days of the ERP 2022 deadline.
Applications are currently being accepted for ERP 2022 and the application deadline has not yet been determined but will be announced at a later date.
More information
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Demand Down for Sustainable and Conventional Grape Prices, But Up for Organics
In an article published by Wine Business, CAWG Board Director, Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, comments on why Vino Farms is looking to organic viticulture to improve their ROI.
In the article, Ledbetter explains that the problem with conventional and sustainable winegrapes is that prices are not keeping up with costs meanwhile the organic market is gradually growing.
“Our costs from the ‘90s to today are up 300%. I can't continue to farm conventionally, obtain Lodi rules certification, and sell fruit to the same players knowing that my price is never going to go up, but my costs are…We have to make some changes, or there won't be grapegrowers in Lodi,” Ledbetter said.
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Sacramento Delta Wineries Launch New Venture: The Clarksburg Winery Collective
The Clarksburg Winery Collective is a newly formed entity that will bring together a winemakers, grape growers, and industry professionals to market and promote the Clarksburg wine region and its wineries. The Clarksburg Winery Collective aims to strengthen the reputation of the Clarksburg AVA while showcasing its award-winning wines and family-farmed vineyards. The Clarksburg wine region spans from Freeport in the north to Ryer Island in the south.
The new initiative will be focused on the collaboration of the wineries in the region, while the existing Clarksburg Winegrowers and Vintners Association will now focus on grower issues.
Many CAWG members are founding members of The Clarksburg Winery Collective including Bogle Family Vineyards, Elevation Ten Winery, Heringer Estates Winery, Lambeth Family Vineyards, Silt Wine Co., and Scribner Bend Vineyards.
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Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
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Biochar: Observed Vineyard Impact & Practical Insights for Application Webinar
This presentation will provide an overview of biochar, impacts observed to vineyards in NYS and beyond, and practical insights into its application in perennial systems from Debbie Aller, PhD, Extension Associate at Cornell University.
Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced from organic waste materials through a process called pyrolysis. Biochar is being used in viticulture globally and has been shown to improve productivity through improved plant and soil health without negatively impacting grape quality or wine flavor.
When and Where:
- November 6, 6 AM, Virtual
Register
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Napa Valley Grapegrowers ROOTSTOCK Conference
ROOTSTOCK is an end-of-harvest conference and an opportunity for industry colleagues to connect and hear from experts in the field. The primary focus of this year's conference will be on herbicides including the history of herbicide use in vineyards and agriculture, the public perception, the various forms of its use, alternatives offered, a case study, and regulatory plans that will take effect in the future.
When and Where:
- November 6-7, Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center
Register
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Malcolm Media's Tree and Vine Expo
The annual Tree and Vine Expo will include an industry trade show, State of the Almond, Pecan, Pistachio, Walnut & Wine Grape Industry presentations and seminars on Pesticide Regulatory Changes to Prepare For, Whole Orchard Recycling, AI Vineyard Management, Comparing Pomegranate Irrigation Requirements, Tree & Vine Disease Management, Vine & Rootstock Pairing, Navel Orangeworm & Vine Mealybug IPM, On-Farm Wildlife Management, and New & Upcoming Ag Legislation.
Michael Miiller, CAWG's Director of Government Relations, will provide the Ag Legislation Update at 11:30 AM. The full agenda is posted online.
When and Where:
- November 7, Stanislaus County Fair
Registration is free
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Malcolm Media's Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo
The annual Grape, Nut & Tree expo will include an industry trade show, State of the Raisin, Table Grape, Wine, Almond, Walnut, Pistachio, Pecan & Tree Fruit Industry presentations and seminars on On-Farm Groundwater Recharge, Crop Load Management, Spatial Soil Variability, Powdery Mildew/Bunch Rot Management, Pistachio Dormancy Research, Almond Nutrient Management, New DOV Raisin Varieties, Chill Accumulation in Cherry, Laws & Regulations, and Weed Management in a Wet Year. PCA and CCA credits are available.
The full agenda is posted online.
When and Where:
- November 10, Big Fresno Fair County Fair
Registration is free
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Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management Webinar
Join Dr. Katie Gold, Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University as she presents her research findings on Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management.
Dr. Gold’s Grape Sensing, Pathology, and Extension Lab at Cornell studies the fundamental and applied science of plant disease and plant-microbe interaction sensing to improve integrated grape disease management. The Gold Lab specializes in the use of in situ and imaging spectroscopy (also known as hyperspectral imaging) deployed at a range of spatial scales, from proximal, autonomous rovers to spacecraft, to characterize asymptomatic disease physiology and the impacts of management intervention on early grape disease detection.
When and Where:
- November 13, 6 AM, Virtual
Register
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New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar
Join CAWG and Fisher Phillips for a webinar providing a roundup of new state labor legislation, guidelines, and regulations that recently took effect or will take effect in January 2024.
Governor Newsom signed some significant labor and employment legislation with which California employers will need to comply. Learn how these changes may apply to your operation and how best to ensure compliance.
Presenting will be Brandon Kahoush and Collin Cook with Fisher & Phillips, LLP, along with Michael Miiller, CAWG’s Director of Government Relations.
When and Where:
- December 12, 10 AM, Virtual
Register
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