CAWG eNews: CAWG Elects New Officers and Directors, Celebrates Outgoing Chair, and More.

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November 9, 2023

YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS

FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY

IN THIS eNEWS

This Week's eNews Includes:

CAWG News:

CAWG Elects New Officers and Directors
CAWG Celebrates Outgoing Chair, Tom Slater
Green Light for Sites
CA Rep. Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Give Workers Leave During Wildfires
Court Throws out Glyphosate Warning Label Requirement
Upcoming Trainings
Save the Date! 2024 Awards of Excellence Reception
Call for Applications - California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

Industry News:

Agricultural Labor Working Group Releases Interim Report
Department of Commerce Lowers Duties on Moroccan Phosphate Fertilizers
Oriental Fruit Fly Updates - Proposed Expansion of the Quarantine Boundary
Maps Show California’s Remarkable Drought Recovery
Ciatti California Report November 2023
Maps Reveal Biochar's Potential for Mitigating Climate Change

Upcoming Events:

Malcolm Media's Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo - Nov. 10
Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management Webinar - Nov. 13

Happy Veterans Day

We salute and honor all veterans who have served our country, including those in the winegrape industry. Your selfless commitment, like the grapes you cultivate, often goes unnoticed but makes our nation proud. Thank you for your service!

CAWG News

CAWG Elects New Officers and Directors

Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capitol Partners in San Luis Obispo was elected as chairman of the board, succeeding Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc., who served in the role since 2021. The newly elected officer team includes Jeff Bitter, a winegrape grower in Madera, and John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma as vice-chairs; Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management, LLC in Healdsburg as secretary; and Jason Smith of Valley Farm Management in Salinas as treasurer.

"Gregg's wealth of experience in the winegrape sector is poised to be an invaluable asset as he guides the association into its 50th year," stated Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. "With Gregg at the helm, CAWG remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts, navigating the intricate landscape of state and federal legislation and regulations for the benefit of winegrape growers."

CAWG is pleased to introduce six new directors, whose term will commence on December 1. The new additions include Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery in Geyserville, George Donati of Pacific Coast Farming in San Luis Obispo, Tom Merwin of Merwin Vineyards in Clarksburg, Ben Kolber of KG Vineyard Management in Lodi, Ryan Winters of Winters Farming, Inc. in Manteca, and Eric Marthedal of Marthedal Farms in Fresno.

We extend sincere gratitude to the outgoing directors who have completed their dedicated service on the board: Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Clements, Stephen Kautz of Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming Co. in Madera, Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc. in Clarksburg, Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, and Taylor Serres of Serres Ranch in Sonoma.

CAWG Celebrates Outgoing Chair, Tom Slater

Last night, the CAWG Board of Directors, industry friends, and family gathered to honor and celebrate CAWG's outgoing Chairman, Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc. in Clarksburg.

The evening was filled with excellent food and wine while exchanging stories and commemorating Tom's steadfast commitment, leadership, and the profound impact he has left on the broader winegrape industry.

"Tom is more than just a dedicated chairman and a skilled leader," said Natalie Collins, CAWG President. "He cares deeply for this industry, leads with passion, and his tireless commitment to CAWG does not go unnoticed,"

A special thank you to Relation Insurance, NAU Country, and Farm Credit for their sponsorship of the dinner.

Green Light for Sites

This week, Governor Newsom took action to accelerate the permitting process for the Sites Reservoir project. When ultimately approved, this project would capture water during wet seasons and store it for use during drier seasons.

Newsom took action under SB 149 (Caballero, D-Merced) which allows the Governor to certify qualifying infrastructure projects for judicial streamlining under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Courts must decide CEQA challenges to certified projects within 270 days to the extent feasible. This could save months or even years of litigation delays after a project has already passed environmental review, while still allowing legal challenges to be heard.

The project has received a total of $46.75 million in early funding from the state. In all, Sites is eligible for $875.4 million of Proposition 1 funding. The total project cost is estimated at $4 billion.

Construction of the reservoir, which will hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025 with operations to be up and running in 2030.

CA Rep. Barbara Lee Introduces Federal Bill to Give Workers Leave During Wildfires

Rep. Barbara Lee, (D-Oakland), introduced a bill requiring employers to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke by providing up to 12 weeks of unpaid (and sometimes paid) leave during periods of heavy smoke. This legislation targets employees who work outdoors for as little as an hour a day, including farmworkers, construction workers, and delivery personnel, potentially including major companies like UPS and Amazon. The legislation, which builds upon a handful of existing state laws on smoke exposure, reflects the continuing effort of governments to enact regulation addressing climate change and worker safety.

CAWG will remain dedicated to communicating the proactive measures taken by California winegrape growers to safeguard their workforce during wildfire events and will keep its members updated on the progress of the legislation.

Court Throws out Glyphosate Warning Label Requirement

This week, a federal appeals court ruled the State of California cannot require manufacturers to warn consumers about specific risks associated with the use of glyphosate. California was trying to require manufacturers to provide a warning label stating the product may cause cancer.

Manufacturers sued the state asserting that there was not sufficient scientific evidence to support a finding of cancer risk. Therefore, the label requirement is in violation of the First Amendment as the label is essentially a form of forced speech.

The court agreed with the manufacturers.

This is good news for agricultural and manufacturing groups as we push back on environmental justice groups and other nonprofits that make broad public proclamations (which are often unsupportable with facts) that, nonetheless, drive regulatory actions in Sacramento and in DC.

CAWG Upcoming Webinars

CAWG will be hosting a series of webinars in timely and informative topics in the next few weeks. Register today and share the details with others in your company.

Grower Options for Contract Matters

Tuesday, November 28

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Join CAWG for a webinar addressing opportunities available to growers through the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Market Enforcement Branch (MEB). The mission of the MEB is to objectively enforce laws enacted to ensure confidence and stability in the agricultural marketplace and to protect against unfair business practices between producers, handlers, and processors of California farm products. This webinar will specifically cater to those who have encountered issues with their winery buyers, particularly related to contract matters.

Crop Insurance 101: Your Guide to Policy Basics

Thursday, November 30

10:00 - 11:00 AM

What can crop insurance do for you? If you are new to crop insurance or have been purchasing it for years, it is always important to review your policy to ensure you are getting the most out of it.

The winegrape industry has seen its share of turbulence over the past two years. From hurricanes, to smoke exposure, to extreme drought and lighter yields. With the 2023 harvest under our belts, it is time to start planning for next year. An important part of your 2024 planning process is risk management of your most valuable asset - your winegrapes.

Crop Insurance Enhancements: Your Guide to Optimizing Coverage

Thursday, December 7

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Whether you are new to crop insurance, or you’ve been purchasing it for many years, CAWG is committed to bringing you education on the most current industry topics. Join CAWG to learn more about how to enhance your crop insurance coverage, what qualifies under the Federal Crop Insurance program as a claim, and how various claims scenarios are handled.

New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know

Tuesday, December 12

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Join the California Association of Winegrape Growers for a webinar providing a roundup of 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.

Guaranteed Farming Revenue: Your Guide through Whole Farm Revenue Protection Coverage

Thursday, December 14

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Want to protect your crop against price and market losses? Maybe Whole Farm Revenue Protection is for you!

Join CAWG to learn more about Whole Farm Revenue Protection and if it is right for your operation.

Save the Date! 2024 Awards of Excellence Reception

Join CAWG on January 23, 2024, to honor Sangiacomo Family Vineyards as its 2024 Grower of the Year and California Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross, as its 2024 Leader of the Year.

All CAWG members are welcome to join in celebrating the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of both the Sangiacomo Family and Secretary Ross to California's winegrape industry.

The awards reception will follow the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium welcome reception at the Sheraton Grand, Sacramento. Registration for the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium is not required and there is no fee for attending the reception. We hope to see you there as we honor two iconic figures, not only in the winegrape industry but also in California's agricultural sector.

Call for Applications - California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

Applications are being accepted for the 10th Annual California Green Medal Sustainable Wine Growing Leadership Awards. Many CAWG members have been awarded these prestigious awards throughout the last decade.

Vineyards and wineries that participate in a sustainability program in California are eligible to apply in four award categories, recognizing outstanding achievement in sustainability:

Leader Award, given to the vineyard or winery that demonstrates success and innovation in all of the below three areas of sustainable winegrowing and inspires others.

Environment Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.

Community Award, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor and Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.

Business Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.

“The California Green Medal awards provide an annual opportunity to showcase vintners and winegrape growers who are deeply committed to environmentally and socially responsible practices,” said Allison Jordan, California Sustainable Winegrowing Association executive director. “We are especially excited to be celebrating the award’s 10th anniversary, and to acknowledge not only this year’s winners, but the nearly 40 wineries and vineyards that have received past awards.”

Applications will be accepted through January 12, 2024. Learn more here.

Industry News

Agricultural Labor Working Group Releases Interim Report

This week, the House Committee on Agriculture's Agricultural Labor Working Group released an interim report on the labor challenges facing the agricultural sector. The report outlines initial findings based on a series of stakeholder roundtables the Working Group has held over the past four months. These roundtables covered topics such as challenges in accessing and navigating the H-2A temporary agricultural program and labor and producer perspectives on the H-2A program. The Working Group is co-chaired by Reps. Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Don Davis (D-NC) and will work towards developing legislative solutions to the challenges identified in the interim report.

Department of Commerce Lowers Duties on Moroccan Phosphate Fertilizers

Last week, the Department of Commerce announced it was lowering the duties levied on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco from 19.97% to 2.12%. In 2020, Commerce was petitioned to investigate if Morocco and Russia were unfairly subsidizing fertilizer production and were thereby able to sell in U.S. markets at a lower cost. The International Trade Commission ultimately agreed with the petition, leading to the imposition of the duties on imports from the two countries. Commerce has since conducted an administrative review of the duties which resulted in the announcement last week. Separately, the Court of International Trade has ordered Commerce to reconsider the duty rate, citing flaws in the analysis Commerce used to calculate the rate, and a decision on that is expected on December 13.

Oriental Fruit Fly Updates - Proposed Expansion of the Quarantine Boundary

The Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Boundary has changed in the San Bernardino County – Redlands & Yucaipa Areas. Effective November 9, 2023, the Department is expanding the San Bernardino and Riverside Quarantine Boundary. A map of the proposed boundary can be found here.

Grapes are a known host fruit for this pest. Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 3423.

For questions about the quarantine, please contact Vince Arellano with CDFA at vince.arellano@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 654-0312.

CAWG is closely monitoring the increased exotic fruit fly activity around the state this year and will keep growers informed as CDFA responds to the situation.

If you wish to receive notifications from CDFA, please sign up for updates through the email notification ListServ.

Maps Show California’s Remarkable Drought Recovery

After years of severe drought, the most recent map from U.S. Drought Monitor data reveals an official end to drought conditions.

The transition from La Niña to a neutral phase in the tropical Eastern Pacific in late 2022 led to a much wetter winter. This transition, combined with a continuous flow of atmospheric rivers and persistent storm systems, resulted in months of significant precipitation. Cold temperatures further facilitated the accumulation of historic amounts of snow in the Sierra region by January.

“The April 1 snowpack was only the fourth time since 1950 where the statewide average cleared 200%,” said Michael Anderson, state climatologist with the California Department of Water Resources, during an October media briefing.

It will take time for California and other parts of the western United States, to fully recover from the drought, especially in terms of groundwater storage. CAWG sponsored SB 659 which was recently signed into law by Governor Newsom. This legislation specifically targets groundwater recharge as a key element in California's enduring strategy to establish a dependable water supply for both agricultural and other water users.

Ciatti California Report November 2023

Ciatti Company Wine Brokers released their November Report reviewing the 2023 harvest in California.

"September’s sizing nudged up the crop potential and the subsequent weeks brought no major weather issues: There was some helpful heat, and while there were periods of rain, significant rainfall held off. Consequently, the harvest window remained open and all contracted grapes could get picked. The statewide crop potential likely rose from approximately 3.8 million tons in August to something like 4.1 million by the end of October. But a significant number of rejections amid high fungus pressure and rot, quantities of unsold fruit left hanging, and some overages failing to find a home, are likely to have dragged back what was actually crushed to something more like 3.5-3.6 million tons. This remains a very tentative estimate, given all the aforementioned variable factors."

Maps Reveal Biochar's Potential for Mitigating Climate Change

Biochar, a charcoal made from heating discarded organic materials such as crop residues, enhances soil fertility, promotes plant growth, enhances soil health, and mitigates carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Upon incorporation into soils, biochar effectively captures and stores carbon for centuries.

Potential for Biochar Carbon Sequestration from Crop Residues: A Global Spatially Explicit Assessment, a study published by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences shows that maps, made from a high-resolution global dataset of crop residues, reveal areas where residues may be sustainably used to produce biochar. The study shows that 12 countries have the technical ability to sequester over 20% of their current total greenhouse gas emissions by converting crop residues to biochar. Bhutan leads the way with the potential to sequester 68% of its emissions in the form of biochar, followed by India, at 53%.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

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

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

CAWG PAC Event During Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

Join CAWG for a rockin' good time while supporting the CAWG PAC 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.

When and Where: