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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:
- Lead Story: Mechanization and the Future of Farming
- Advocacy Efforts on Mechanization
- Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act
- Harvest Preparedness: Safety Reminders & Updates Webinar Recording
- Upcoming Webinar: Streamline Disease Scouting with Aerial Imagery
- CAWG Member's Riverbench Winery Celebrate 50 Years in the Santa Maria Valley
- CAWG Member Serres Ranch Intertwine Blueberry and Winegrape Harvest
Industry News:
- CDFA Rescheduled Hearing and Extension of Written Comment Period for Proposed Rulemaking Effecting Grape Crush District
- U.S. Customs and Immigration Service Releases New Form I-9
- San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority Announces $10 Million Funding Award
- MyAGLife Video: Five-Year Strategy for Spotted Lanternfly
- The Latest on PAGA and Arbitration Webinar
- In the News: Future Climate and the Impact on Wine: Predictable or Uncertain?
- In the News: A Conversation With Dr. Laura Catena On Wine, Alcohol, and The WHO
- New Fertilizer Industry Foundation Formed
Upcoming Events
- Lodi Grower Meeting - Harvest Challenges - Tomorrow, August 4
- Acres U.S.A. Healthy Soils Summit - August 23-24
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Mechanization and the Future of Farming
The California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation is inviting lawmakers and Newsom Administration staff to join us on August 23, for an enlightening educational program and dinner at Silt Wine Company in Clarksburg. The event aims to help inform policymakers on mechanization and the future of farming.
Interest in this technology has increased as awareness of the environmental and safety benefits of the technology grows. That is why CAWG is hosting this event to showcase demonstrations of autonomous tractors. It is important that policymakers have first-hand experience with this technology to fully appreciate its importance.
If you are interested in sponsoring this important educational event, please contact Jenny Devine. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Thank you to the event sponsors:
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Advocacy Efforts on Mechanization
California has been the focus of great attention relative to mechanization in agriculture and the development and use of autonomous ag equipment. This is partly because California is the largest agricultural producer in the nation. Additionally, California is home to tremendous amounts of investment capital and some of the brightest minds in the world. California also has some of the most stringent environmental laws in the world - which are served well by technology.
All of this combined has motivated several start-up ag equipment manufacturing companies to locate in California or to increase their presence in California. This synchronicity has created the opportunity for California growers to be at the table in the development, testing, and rollout of this technology. However, with anything new, there are always challenges as human nature and political considerations have created resistance to change.
To work through regulatory and financial challenges, CAWG is very engaged with key state and federal officials. In Sacramento, CAWG is leading the effort to amend workplace safety regulations to reflect the current technology. In D.C., CAWG is advocating for the strengthening of research provisions geared towards new technologies, equipment, and systems that alleviate concerns with labor availability and vineyard access in the 2023 Farm Bill and is supporting Congressman Valadao’s recently introduced Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act.
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Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act
Late last week, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crop producers amidst labor shortages. The bill’s primary objective is to enhance accessibility to costly automation technology, while also ensuring adequate workforce training to operate the equipment. The Act proposes the creation of a reimbursement-based cost-share program which would allow growers and processors to further invest in these time and cost-saving technologies.
CAWG proudly endorses this legislation, recognizing its potential to empower producers to adopt technology advancements in today’s ever-evolving agricultural environment. We extend our appreciation to Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) for their collaboration with Rep. Valadao in introducing this crucial legislation.
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Harvest Preparedness: Safety Reminders & Updates Webinar Recording
CAWG staff hosted a webinar on August 2 discussing the latest laws and regulations directly affecting winegrape growers and their operations as the harvest season approaches.
Topics included in the webinar included:
- Heat Illness Prevention
- Nighttime Lighting Requirements
- Smoke Exposure and Worker Safety
- Autonomous Equipment Updates
- Legal Service Benefits for CAWG Members
- And More
The webinar was recorded and can be viewed here.
Document with Additional Information
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Upcoming Webinar: Streamline Disease Scouting with Aerial Imagery
Join CAWG and VineView on August 9, 2023, at 10 am to discover the power of streamlining disease scouting through aerial imagery and data insights.
VineView’s RedLeaf Scouting maps identify indications of redness within the vine canopy, providing vineyard managers with critical data to direct their scouting efforts efficiently.
This webinar will include:
- how disease scouting is optimized with VineView’s RedLeaf Maps,
- a detailed use case from a client, showcasing the problem, solution & result,
- and a live demonstration.
Register today to stay ahead of the curve in vineyard management with VineView.
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CAWG Member Riverbench Winery Celebrates 50 Years in the Santa Maria Valley
Riverbench Winery is celebrating its 50th year of wine production in the Santa Maria Valley with its first vines being planted along the Sisquoc river bench in 1973. In 2006 Riverbench began producing fruit for their own labels after producing fruit for some well-known wineries for decades.
Fiftieth-anniversary celebrations are planned throughout the year including an anniversary dinner, live music every other Sunday through September, and many special events. The anniversary year also marks year one for new growth for the tasting room and larger business.
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CAWG Member Serres Ranch Intertwine Blueberry and Winegrape Harvest
Established in 1924, Serres Ranch has been a family-owned business for six generations, and both their blueberry and their wines are anticipated throughout Sonoma County.
In a typical year, the two seasons do not overlap, but the family has learned that much can be applied from one harvest to another. In an article published by The Sonoma Index-Tribune, Taylor Serres Murning, a current CAWG Director, shares the ins and outs of blueberry season and how the care techniques of blueberry bushes and winegrape vines can be similar.
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CDFA Rescheduled Hearing and Extension of Written Comment Period for Proposed Rulemaking Effecting Grape Crush District
CDFA has rescheduled the regulatory hearing originally scheduled for August 11, 2023, to discuss proposed rulemaking regarding Grape Crush District changes. The amendment proposed in this rulemaking action would modify the boundary between Grape Crush Districts 5 and 17 utilized for the Grape Crush Report. In short, the rulemaking proposes to move the Ryer Island region from District 5 to District 17.
The new date for the hearing is January 18, 2024, at 10 am.
The written comment period has also been extended until January 18, 2024.
Any questions or comments can be directed to:
Inquiries and comments concerning the proposed action may be directed to:
Kacie Fritz, Special Assistant
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Marketing Services Division
1220 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 900–5011
Kacie.Fritz@cdfa.ca.gov
Additional information on the hearing or the proposed regulation can be found on CDFA's website.
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U.S. Customs and Immigration Service Releases New Form I-9
The U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) has released a new Form I-9 that is much different than the previous edition. The pre-existing form can be used through October 31, 2023, however, employers can begin using the new form immediately.
The revised Form I-9 Revisions:
- Reduces Sections 1 and 2 to a single-sided sheet.
- Is designed to be a fillable form on tablets and mobile devices.
- Moves the Section 1 Preparer/Translator Certification area to a separate, standalone supplement that employers can provide to employees when necessary.
- Moves Section 3, Reverification and Rehire, to a standalone supplement that employers can print if or when rehire occurs or reverification is required.
- Revises the Lists of Acceptable Documents page to include some acceptable receipts as well as guidance and links to information on automatic extensions of employment authorization documentation.
- Reduces Form instructions from 15 pages to 8 pages; and
- Includes a checkbox allowing employers to indicate they examined Form I-9 documentation remotely under a DHS-authorized alternative procedure rather than via physical examination.
Download the new Form I-9 here.
Instructions for the new Form I-9 can be found here.
Download the new Spanish Form I-9 here.
Instructions for the new Form I-9 in Spanish can be found here.
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San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority Announces $10 Million Funding Award
Last week, the Department of the Interior announced a $152 million investment for water storage and conveyance projects from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, and its 27 member agencies, received $10 million to advance the B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Reservoir Expansion Project. This project will increase the storage capacity of San Luis Reservoir by 130,000 acre-feet, enough water to supply 260,000 households or to irrigate approximately 45,000 acres of agricultural land.
“We thank the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for providing this funding to advance this critical project that increases water resilience for the Authority’s members and the farms, communities, and ecosystems they serve,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “We greatly appreciate the continuing partnership and support we have with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on this project and look forward to continuing to advance the planning efforts this year.”
The full list of projects to be funded can be viewed here.
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MyAGLife Video: Five-Year Strategy for Spotted Lanternfly
In this video of MyAgLife, USDA-APHIS' Matt Travis explains how USDA-APHIS plans to address the Spotted Lanternfly through their recently released five-year strategy plan. This pest could be detrimental to the California winegrape industry.
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The Latest on PAGA and Arbitration Webinar
What should agricultural employers do post Adolph v. Uber?
The California Supreme Court ignored guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court when it ruled that employees can still proceed with their representative PAGA lawsuit in Court against employers even if their individual PAGA claim is compelled to arbitration. This decision will inevitably lead to more lawsuits against California employers and creates another avenue of concern for California’s agricultural businesses struggling with compliance responsibilities.
Fisher Phillips is hosting a webinar on August 8 at 12 pm addressing PAGA and Arbitration and when relief may be felt through a 2024 ballot measure that seeks to dismantle the current PAGA structure.
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In the News: Why 'Regenerative Viticulture' is Gaining Ground Among Major Wine Producers
CAWG Members like Jackson Family Wines are adopting a regenerative approach to viticulture - but what does that mean and why are growers adopting this practice?
An article published earlier this week explores the goals of regenerative agriculture, the different methods, and why wineries on both small and large scales are converting their vineyards to regenerative techniques.
“It is about trying as much as possible to create a complex, balanced, diverse ecosystem of life in the vineyard by working with natural forces,” said Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, who heads up courses on Sustainable and Regenerative Viticulture at the UK’s Dartington Trust.
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In the News: Future Climate and the Impact on Wine: Predictable or Uncertain?
The weather has always guided winegrape growers' decisions - when to prune, spray, harvest, etc. However, with the always-unpredictable weather becoming more extreme, it leads to more uncertainty for winegrape growers, especially related to climate change and how it affects grape yields.
The World of Fine Wine published an article by Michael Summerfield, Professor Emeritus of Geography, University of Edinburgh this week providing an in-depth exploration of the challenges growers faced in terms of climate and weather.
"Today, wine producers have two sets of challenges: the day-to-day decisions in response to the weather, and the longer-term climatic uncertainties of a warming world. Grape yields and quality, and the quantity and characteristics of the resulting wine, are significantly influenced by the sequence of weather in a particular growing cycle."
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In the News: A Conversation With Dr. Laura Catena On Wine, Alcohol And The WHO
Dr. Laura Catena is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, physician, and wine writer. She was born in Argentina and is the Managing Director of Bodega Catena Zapata and her own Luca Winery. For the last 25 years, Dr. Catena has been a practicing part-time physician of Emergency Medicine in San Francisco. In addition, she is the founder of the Catena Institute of Wine, which is dedicated to preserving Malbec and elevating Argentine wine.
The World Health Organization has been very forthcoming about its views regarding consuming any amount of alcoholic beverages stating, “There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.” Dr. Laura Catena shares her insightful thoughts regarding the interception of her careers as a doctor and a winegrape grower and winemaker.
"Wine has been drunk in moderation for thousands of years. We must continue to teach moderation, drinking with meals, and consuming wine with friends and family," Dr. Catena said.
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New Fertilizer Industry Foundation Formed
The Fertilizer Institute announced earlier this week the consolidation of industry-supported organizations into the newly formed FERT Foundation. The FERT Foundation will be dedicated to ensuring that education, research, and training are all conducted under one umbrella bringing together the work of the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation, Foundation for Agronomic Research, and Nutrients for Life Foundation.
Goals of the FERT Foundation include:
- Building greater understanding of the tremendous benefits afforded by using fertilizers, including an understanding of the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
- Developing easily digestible research summaries for dissemination to retail agronomists.
- Building a body of research that is being used in education and with regulatory agencies.
- Spearheading a leadership program designed specifically for fertilizer industry members.
- Fostering and promoting careers in nutrient science and education – including 4R Nutrient Stewardship to a diverse audience of learners and educators.
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Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
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Lodi Grower Meeting - Harvest Challenges
Join CAWG and the Lodi District Grape Growers Association (LDGGA) for an informative morning session, tomorrow, Friday, August 4, designed to enhance your preparedness for the upcoming harvest season and the potential challenges a late harvest poses. A range of essential topics will be covered, including understanding winegrape contract language, implementing best practices for effective communication and documentation with winery buyers, crop insurance reminders and considerations, and what to do if your grapes are exposed to wildfire smoke.
When and Where:
- August 4, 9:00 am, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Burgundy Hall
RSVP
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Acres U.S.A. Healthy Soils Summit
This annual event held in Seaside is essential for ranchers, growers, and farmers looking to improve their soil health management systems. An optional half-day farm tour to Paicines Ranch and Pinnacle Organically Grown Produce is included.
When and Where:
Register
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