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This Week's eNews Includes:

CAWG News:

• CAWG Awarded CalAgPlate Grant
• Kevin McCarthy to Retire from Congress at Year-End
• Term Limits and Musical Chairs
• Emergency Relief Program - 2022 Losses Webinar Recording
• Crop Insurance Enhancements: Your Guide to Optimizing Coverage Webinar Recording

Industry News:

• Applications Are Now Being Accepted For CDFA SWEEP Grants
• Oriental Fruit Fly Updates - Proposed Expansion of the Quarantine Boundary
• DPR’s New Neonicotinoid Regulations
• New Winery Wastewater Order: Overkill or Ecosystem Essential
• California Water Boards - Sites Reservoir
• Harvest 2023 – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
• Lake County Winegrape Commission Celebrates the Creation of Two New Lake County AVAs
• California Plant and Soil Conference



Upcoming Events:

• New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar
• California's New Workplace Violence Prevention Law Webinar
• Guaranteed Farming Revenue: Your Guide Through Whole Farm Revenue Protection Coverage Webinar
• 2024 Awards of Excellence Reception
• WGA Annual Luncheon
• CAWG PAC Event During Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

CAWG News

CAWG Awarded CalAgPlate Grant

CAWG is excited to announce it has received a $9,908 grant from the 2023 California License Plate (CalAgPlate) program through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

The grant, named "Creating a Sustainable Future: Owl Box Construction for Hands-On Agricultural Learning," will empower FFA students with a unique hands-on experience in constructing 200 owl boxes. These purpose-built boxes will be distributed to winegrape growers as part of CAWG's upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration in November 2024. Beyond the celebratory aspect, the grant presents FFA students with a valuable opportunity to contribute to practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.

“This project is truly exciting for both CAWG and California’s FFA students," said Natalie Collins. "It introduces solutions that promote hands-on learning and contribute to environmental stewardship, cultivating collaboration between our association and the future stewards of our industry in FFA. It's a win-win that propels us toward a greener and more resilient viticultural landscape.”

Press Release

Kevin McCarthy to Retire from Congress at Year-End

In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Kevin McCarthy, 58, announced his retirement from the House of Representatives. The Republican, ousted from his Speaker role in October, cited a desire to "serve America in new ways."

Despite leaving Congress, McCarthy pledged to assist in recruiting future leaders for the expanding Republican Party. His departure concludes a 16-year career marked by party fractures and a tumultuous Speaker election.

His departure means California Governor Gavin Newsom will have to call a special election soon to elect a replacement. Historically, past governors have called for such special elections to be held concurrently with the next scheduled election. Which, in this, case would be the March 2024 primary election.

Term Limits & Musical Chairs

With this week’s announcement that Kevin McCarthy is stepping down, there were immediate musical chair rumors in Sacramento whereby Assemblymember Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) may be running to replace McCarthy in Congress. It was also announced this week that the formal transition of leadership in the State Senate will take place in February when Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) will hand the gavel to Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg). Atkins (who is termed out in 2024) is considering a run for Governor and McGuire (who is termed out in 2026) is considering a run for Insurance Commissioner. 

State Senators and Assemblymembers can serve no more than 12 years in the Assembly or Senate or that time can be split up between the offices. In statewide offices, there is a limit of two terms (eight years total) in each of the eight statewide offices. Conceivably, a person could serve for 76 consecutive years if that politician served the full term in each office and kept moving up the political ladder. 

Around the state, there are several races where Assemblymembers, Senators, and statewide officeholders are looking at term limits and trying to determine their next job in political office. This inevitably means new chairs of committees, new leadership, and evolving changes in policy direction. These changes can be good or bad for ag concerns. 

With this in mind, CAWG PAC has a long history of helping to elect ag-friendly policymakers in a bright blue state that has politically demonized the agriculture industry. We simply want a seat at the table and we want a pragmatic approach to making law. And we know that we have an uphill battle on almost every issue. So, we must identify and help elect informed politicians who care enough to look at how proposed legislation affects those on all sides of any given issue.

NOTE: Former Governor Jerry Brown offered an interesting take in looking at term limits. He said “I have to say you have a choice. If you want people to be in all the time, they think they own the place, and you get arrogance. If you want to keep changing, you know, just musical chairs, then you get ignorance. So do you want ignorance, or do you want arrogance?”

Crop Insurance Enhancements: Your Guide to Optimizing Coverage Webinar Recording

Whether you are new to crop insurance, or you’ve been purchasing it for many years, this webinar, hosted with Relation Insurance Services, explored different options on how to enhance your crop insurance coverage.

Topics included what qualifies under the Federal Crop Insurance program as a claim and how various claims scenarios are handled.

Webinar Recording

Emergency Relief Program - 2022 Losses Webinar Recording

USDA will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The 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 natural disaster events including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze, smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought, and related conditions.

The webinar provided an overview of ERP 22 Tracks 1 and 2 and the program benefits that may be available.



Webinar Recording

Industry News

Applications Are Now Being Accepted For CDFA SWEEP Grants

CDFA is now accepting applications for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), a competitive grant program for farmers and ranchers that incentivizes the investment in irrigation water and energy efficiency. Applicants can apply for up to $200,000 for projects that conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Projects funded through SWEEP commonly include technologies such as soil, plant, or weather sensors; micro-irrigation systems; pump retrofits or replacements; renewable energy; and variable frequency drives. 

“Amid unpredictable and extreme swings in weather, water conservation remains a top priority here in California,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “These investments also facilitate greenhouse gas reductions as well as adaptation strategies for farmers and ranchers contending with climate change impacts.” 

Applications will be accepted through 5:00 PM on January 26, 2024.

Learn More

Oriental Fruit Fly Updates - Proposed Expansion of the Quarantine Boundary

The Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Boundary has changed in the San Bernardino and Riverside County – Riverside Area. Effective December 5, 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.

DPR’s New Neonicotinoid Regulations

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) in California has implemented regulations (sections 6990 through 6990.16 of Title 3, California Code of Regulations) to safeguard pollinator health. These regulations, effective from January 1, 2024, focus on controlling the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in food and feed production. The control measures include restrictions on application methods, rates, timing, and seasonal caps, tailored to specific crop groups. Rather than updating neonicotinoid labels, DPR has chosen regulatory mitigation measures, targeting applicators instead of manufacturers.

DPR emphasizes communication, outreach, and training for neonicotinoid applicators and growers. County Agricultural Commissioners are also expected to play a role in outreach and training. DPR has developed a neonicotinoid outreach webpage containing informative materials, such as flyers and PowerPoint presentations, specific to each crop group.

The webpage is available here.

Individual flyers, including one for berries and small fruit crops, are available here.

New Winery Wastewater Order: Regulatory Overkill or Ecosystem Essential?

California's recent winery wastewater order poses many economic challenges for wineries. The 2021 state regulations demand tougher wastewater standards, leading some wineries to face compliance issues. In an article published by WineBusiness, the challenges of the order are outlined.

Some wineries already have systems meeting the new standards, while others may need to purchase more land for wastewater dispersal or reduce production to adhere to the requirements.

Wineries have a window of 90 days to five years to implement solutions, but they must submit an initial plan by January 20, 2024. The detailed regulation varies based on discharge volume, often necessitating input from expert consultants to generate the required technical reports.

California Water Boards - Sites Reservoir

This week the State Water Resources Control Board Director moved along proposed plans for the Sites Project Authority project. This is part of Governor Newsom’s efforts to expedite environmental review of construction of the reservoir.



"Sites Reservoir promises to help us adjust to intensifying floods and droughts by storing water in big, wet winters like we just had for use during the dry years that we know will return," said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. "The environmental review that has just been completed for the project will guide how this project can operate in alignment with existing water and environmental management, as well as other water infrastructure."

Read the Full Notice of Assignment here. 

Harvest 2023 – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Harvest 2023 brought a mix of challenges and successes for grape growers, as outlined in a recent blog by Stewart Spencer of the Lodi Wine Commission. Despite the hurdles and a delayed harvest, winemakers are praising the exceptional quality of the 2023 Lodi vintage, noting fantastic color, higher acidity, and excellent flavor. However, the winegrape market faced significant difficulties, marked by uncommitted grapes struggling to find buyers and contracted grapes facing obstacles reaching wineries due to a global oversupply of grapes and wine.

The outlook for wine sales is uncertain, with the industry confronting challenges such as competition from other beverages, an aging consumer base, and potential neo-prohibitionist efforts. The 2023 vintage saw a notable increase in grape rejections in Lodi, including reasons like MOG (matter other than grapes), rot, mildew, failure to meet minimum brix requirements, volatile acidity, quality, and a new concern termed "rose taint." Spencer highlights a growing gap between the promises of some wine companies and the reality for independent growers. Many rejections lack standardized testing protocols or metrics, leaving growers uncertain about expectations. Addressing these issues is crucial for the industry's sustainability and profitability.

Lake County Winegrape Commission Celebrates the Creation of Two New Lake County AVAs

Lake County Winegrape Commission welcomes two recently approved AVAs, the Long Valley-Lake County AVA, and the Upper Lake Valley AVA. The Long Valley-Lake County AVA spans 7,674 acres and encompasses a lengthy, slender valley floor and adjacent foothills on the Cache Formation. The Upper Lake Valley AVA consists of approximately 20,187 acres and is characterized by four distinct water-bearing formations—Quaternary alluvium, Pleistocene terrace deposits, Pleistocene lake and floodplain deposits, and Plio–Pleistocene cache creek. These formations constitute the Upper Lake Groundwater Basin.

"The establishment of these AVAs builds on the discovery of these as distinct sub-appellations and on the long history of farming in the region," comments Debra Sommerfield, President of the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

California Plant and Soil Conference

The 2024 California Plant and Soil Conference, organized by the California Chapter of the American Society of Agronomy, is scheduled for February 6-7 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Fresno.

This annual conference aims to enhance the knowledge of attendees on current agronomic topics in California. It is particularly valuable for Certified Crop Advisers and Pest Control Advisers seeking continuing education units. New additions this year include two additional sessions on Wednesday afternoon and a student-mentor breakfast meeting providing networking opportunities and insights into mentors' experiences and career paths in agricultural science fields.

Early registration ends on January 12. Registration is open through the conference website.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar

Join CAWG 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.

When and Where:

• December 12, 10 AM, Zoom

Register

California's New Workplace Violence Prevention Law Webinar

Join CAWG for a webinar aimed at helping growers understand the extensive mandates under SB 553 - California’s new Workplace Violence Prevention law requiring employers to create and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.

The webinar will include in-depth information about how the requirements of this new law apply to vineyard operations. As these requirements are quite extensive and preparation by the July 1 compliance date will take considerable time, all CAWG members should register for this webinar.

When and Where:

• December 12, 1 PM, Zoom

Register

Guaranteed Farming Revenue: Your Guide Through Whole Farm Revenue Protection Coverage Webinar

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.

When and Where:

• December 14, 10 AM, Zoom

Register

2024 Awards of Excellence Reception

Join CAWG 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.



When and Where:

• January 23, 6 PM, Sheraton Grand, Sacramento

Sponsorship Opportunities are available, contact Jenny Devine for more information.

WGA Annual Leadership Luncheon

It’s that time of year when nationwide industry members come together for the Winegrape Growers of America (WGA) Annual Leadership Luncheon. The luncheon will take place during the 2024 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, at the Hyatt Regency, in Sacramento.

Please join WGA on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, for lunch, networking, a presentation from our keynote speaker, and the honoring of an individual with the Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award.

Register Here!

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 and expanding to a bigger venue. 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:

• January 24, 9 PM, Ace of Spades, Sacramento

Register Here!

Sponsorship Opportunities are available, contact Jenny Devine for more information.

December

12 - New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar

12 - California's New Workplace Violence Prevention Law Webinar

14 - Guaranteed Farming Revenue: Your Guide Through Farm Revenue Protection Coverage Webinar

January

23-25 - Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

23 - 2024 Awards of Excellence Reception

24 - WGA Annual Leadership Luncheon

24 - CAWG PAC Event During Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

STAY CONNECTED