YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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- Smoke Research Bill Advances
- Recent Rains Provide Temporary Relief for Growers
- FBI Reports Ransomware Attacks on Ag Cooperatives
- Sonoma Winegrower Appointed to Board of Agriculture
- Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health Event
- Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Awards
- CAWG Events: Regional Roadshow, Foundation Golf Tournament
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Smoke Research Bill Advances |
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This week the California State Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Chaired by Assembly Member Robert Rivas (D-Salinas), unanimously approved AB 2213 (Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters). The bill directs the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to fund programs of research that will develop methods to accurately measure smoke compounds in grapes and wine, and necessary tools to mitigate and prevent smoke damage. AB 2213 is jointly sponsored by CAWG and Wine Institute.
If passed, the bill would establish a nine-person advisory committee comprised of four grower and four winery representatives, and one university representative who is knowledgeable on smoke issues. The advisory committee would develop recommendations for funding research proposals. In tandem with efforts to pass AB 2213, CAWG and Wine Institute are working to secure a $5 million state appropriation to fund the wildfire smoke research program.
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Recent Rains Provide Temporary Relief for Growers |
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The Division of Water Rights, within the California Water Resources Control Board, continues to review hydrologic forecasts and real-time data for the Russian River Watershed. Based on current conditions and available forecasts, the division announced this week that temporary curtailment suspensions will continue through May 31, 2022. This is good news, as suspensions were set to expire on May 1.
Water rights holders should continue to monitor the Russian River Drought Response webpage for updates on curtailment statuses for both the upper and lower Russian River watersheds. The division expects to issue the next update on curtailments under authority of a revised and readopted emergency regulation, which will considered the State Water Resources Control Board at a May 10 hearing.
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FBI Reports Ransomware Attacks on Ag Cooperatives |
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April 20, the FBI released a report warning that ransomware actors might be more likely to attack agricultural cooperatives during critical planting and harvest seasons. These attacks may disrupt operations, cause financial loss, and negatively affect the food supply chain.
In an April 27 story appearing in The Desert Review, Oliver Noble, a cybersecurity expert at NordLocker, an encrypted cloud service provider, explained, “Disrupting operations of agribusiness, including agricultural cooperatives, during key seasons may result in huge financial losses for some conglomerates. And, drastically impact the food supply chain and result in surging product prices for consumers, spoiled food, or even its shortages.”
The FBI recommends that those in the food and agriculture sector take steps to mitigate the threat of ransomware and prevent attacks. Resources on ransomware prevention can be found here.
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Sonoma Winegrower Appointed to Board of Agriculture |
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Julia Jackson, 34, of Healdsburg, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Jackson has been Founder of Grounded since 2018 and has been a second-generation Proprietor at Jackson Family Wines since 1988. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Jackson is a Democrat. |
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Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health Event |
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The California Department of Food and Agriculture, CSU Fresno, UC Davis AgrAbility and the CalHOPE campaign are teaming up to offer three virtual convenings on Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health and Stress.
You are invited to learn about the Western Farmer Ranchers Stress Assistance Network, the CalHOPE campaign, as well as network and discuss opportunities and challenges with other statewide organizations, related to farmer and farmworker mental health and wellness, that has been impacted by COVID-19 and other challenges. The online virtual event is scheduled for Friday, May 6, 1 – 2:30 p.m. You can register on Zoom.
For more information on available resources for farmer and farmworker mental health resources, click here.
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Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Awards |
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The eighth annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Award winners were announced this week during Down to Earth Month, a celebration of California's sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Presented by several California wine organizations devoted to sustainability, four Green Medals have been presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business.
“It’s a pleasure to recognize the California wine community’s cutting-edge leaders in sustainability through the California Green Medal Awards,” said Allison Jordan, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance’s (CSWA) Executive Director. “Their stories illustrate the perfect synergy between growing exceptional winegrapes and crafting premier wines with an enduring commitment to resource conservation, environmental protection and quality of life enrichment for their employees and community."
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· CAWG Regional Roadshow - REGISTER NOW · |
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May 12 | Lake County
The Ripe Choice Farm
2550 Soda Bay Rd, Lake Port
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wine Social
Guest Speaker: John Roncoroni, Ph.D., Weed Specialist
May 17 | Madera
The Vineyard Restaurant
605 S I St, Madera
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wine Social
Guest Speaker: John Roncoroni, Ph.D. Weed Specialist
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June 27 | Lodi
Woodbridge Golf & Country
800 East Woodbridge Rd, Woodbridge
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wine Social
Guest Speaker John Roncoroni, Ph.D., Weed Specialist
Only THREE
Meetings Left!
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THANK YOU to our Regional Roadshow Premier Sponsors! |
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Complimentary registration for all CAWG members.
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CAWG Foundation Golf Tournament |
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The California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation 3rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, sponsored by Duarte Nursery, is scheduled for Monday, June 27 at Woodbridge Golf and Country Club. Tournament proceeds support scholarships for college age children whose parent or guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.
Tournament check-in opens at 9 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament will be played as a four-person scramble format. The day will include games, a hole in one contest, and a reception with prizes, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Following the golf tournament CAWG will host its Regional Roadshow reception at the club house, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. To register for the tournament, click here.
The 92-year-old Woodbridge Golf & Country Club is located in the heart of Lodi’s wine country and the valley’s finest wineries. The golf course features 27 distinctive holes on its three-championship course.
For information about the CAWG Foundation, please click here.
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