YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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Government Relations Report |
RALLY FOR MORE WATER & VETO OF AB 616
Farmers and farm employees today were on the steps of the state Capitol rallying for increased water storage and a veto of AB 616 (Stone, D-Carmel), which creates a card check process for labor unions to organize ag employees.
California voters approved a water bond in 2014 to provide $7.12 billion in funding for water supply infrastructure projects, but the state has failed to build any new surface water storage projects. For example, the Sites Reservoir project remains mired in seemingly endless administrative review. As we face another historic drought, the need for increased storage is at a crisis level.
AB 616 – currently on Gov. Newsom’s desk – would create a process whereby unions would control the distribution and collection of ballots used to determine whether employees want to join that union. This would eliminate the secret ballot, which is at the core of any fair election.
Duarte Nursery Labor Manager Patty Lopez spoke at the rally and talked with the media in attendance. Thank you to all who participated in this important effort and thank you to the California Farm Bureau for organizing the event.
END OF SESSION UPDATE
As the California Legislature prepares to adjourn for the year on Sept. 10, below is some good news on three key bills:
After weeks of negotiations and rumors, Evan Low (D-San Jose) announced his bill to extend sick leave for employees by up to an additional 40 hours failed to move before end of session. This means no legislation on this issue will move for the remainder of the year. Existing law, SB 95 (Skinner, D-Berkeley) provides for up to two weeks of paid sick leave; it expires on Sept. 30. Keep in mind, the emergency temporary standards (ETS) also require up to 10 days of paid leave for employees who contract or are exposed to COVID-19 at work. The ETS remain in effect into 2022 and may be extended. The Biden administration’s vaccine mandate announcement today will no doubt have an effect on how policymakers in Sacramento act on this issue. The federal requirement includes requiring large employers to give their employees paid time off to get vaccinated.
AB 857 (Kalra, D-San Jose) would create a new notice to ag employees that would include a new right to compensated travel time. Today, AB 857 was also removed from the Assembly's agenda.
Stay tuned, as Newsom may take on the paid leave issue via executive order after SB 95 expires at the end of the month. Additionally, SB 410 and AB 857 could come up again as early as January.
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Outdoor Heat Study Released |
In general, the study concluded, “Risk of HRI was exacerbated by work rate and environmental temperature despite farms following Cal/OSHA regulations.” Recommendations include the following: “Supervisors need to model essential behaviors, as they are the main influence on the workers. Frequent water consumption does not need to be stressed when working at low rates in cooler weather; reminders should be saved for times of intense work rate and temperature stress.”
Additionally, the study recommends future revisions of regulations to include:
- Practical recommendations to adjust work rates and rest breaks.
- Hydration recommendations adapted for type of work and temperature.
- HRI training tailored to the cultural and behavioral needs of the workforce.
It is not known whether Cal/OSHA will pursue any changes to the regulation.
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NEW RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Dr. Kristin Lowe (read bio) is the PD/GWSS Board’s new research coordinator who will oversee and guide the board’s extensive research program. She has more than 20 years of experience working with growers and researchers in viticulture science and practical farming. “I want growers to know that the board’s research portfolio is built on a robust review process of research that is relevant to their needs,” Lowe said. "Their assessment dollars are going to the very top ideas and researchers out there to deliver practical solutions to the pest and disease problems growers face.”
NURSERY REGULATORY PROGRAM
As of July 31, 2021, there were 25,491 nursery stock shipments to non-infested areas of the state. Origin county inspectors have stopped two GWSS adults, two nymphs and 20 egg masses from moving in nursery stock shipments. All nursery shipments were found free of GWSS during destination inspections.
NURSERY STOCK APPROVED TREATMENT PROGRAM
As of July 31, 2021, there were 7,288 ATP shipments consisting of 1,525,972 plants. No regulatory actions have been taken against any ATP nurseries for viable life stages so far this year.
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AFBF Offers Solutions to Ag Secretary on Key Ag Issues |
Farm inputs, transportation (ag hauling), labor and trade were among the critical ag industry issues highlighted in a six-page letter from American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. AFBF offered numerous recommendations for these challenges, including ag haulers having certain flexibilities to ensure timely delivery of products. AFBF also urged USDA to ensure ample access to a workforce, streamline the H-2A application process, address cost barriers (such as adverse effect wage rate), and prioritize access to PPE and other necessary supplies.
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USDA-Economic Research Service Looks at H-2A Program |
Sept. 7
This report explores how H-2A usage levels differ by ag sector, geography, and by the type of firm requesting workers.
Aug. 31
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The TTB recently granted administrative approval for the use of the grape variety torrontés riojano as a type designation on American wine labels. Wine bottlers can use this name, as well as other names granted administrative approval, to label wines pending TTB’s next rulemaking.
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With over 30 harvests, the G3 Ag Team has deep experience in winegrape hauling. Our operational expertise and agile planning combine to provide responsive service for wineries and grape growers large and small. Click on image or here to view video.
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$700M for Farmworker and Food Worker Relief Grant Program
USDA’s new Farmworker and Food Worker Relief Grant Program will provide relief to farmworkers and other food workers for expenses incurred due to the pandemic. The program provides approximately $700 million in Consolidated Appropriations Act funds to provide grants to state agencies, tribal entities and nonprofits serving farmworkers and other food workers. Grants will range from $5 million to $50 million. Additional application details will be released this fall.
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Biden Administration Launches New COVID-19 Action Plan, Website |
President Biden today unveiled a six-pronged, comprehensive national strategy to combat COVID-19. The website includes details about the plan, which focuses on vaccinating the unvaccinated, further protecting the vaccinated, increasing testing, protecting economic recovery and more.
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Providing the very best California crop insurance services. |
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Center for Analytical Chemistry Testing for Smoke-Exposed Grapes |
CDFA’s Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) is assembling a CoResponse team to handle urgent analytical testing requests that may arise due to wildfires. In fall 2020, the CAC analyzed 148 winegrape samples for the presence of seven smoke-taint compounds.
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Press release, Sept. 7
For wine and winegrapes (from Wine Institute).
Fire maps, details, resources and evacuation orders.
Updates and maps about impacted areas.
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The U.S. EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have halted the implementation of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and are interpreting “waters of the United States” consistent with the pre-2015 regulatory regime until further notice. “The agencies remain committed to crafting a durable definition of 'waters of the United States' that is informed by diverse perspectives and based on an inclusive foundation,” stated EPA’s WOTUS webpage.
>AFBF ARTICLE / EPA should keep “navigable” in new WOTUS rule, Sept. 3
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Public Policy Institute of California Virtual Events |
Improving California’s Water Market
WHEN: Sept. 23 / 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
ABOUT: PPIC, state and local experts will discuss how to improve California’s water markets while protecting communities from harm.
Groundwater and Urban Growth in the SJV
WHEN: Sept. 30 / 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
ABOUT: PPIC, state and local experts will discuss the SGMA and groundwater users (farmers and urban water utilities).
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Drought and Reservoir Conditions |
ARTICLES
California WaterBlog, Sept. 5
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Wine Spectator, Sept. 8
Press release, Sept. 8
Ag Alert, Sept. 8
Barerra previously served as CalChamber’s executive vice president and is known for her success rate with its annual list of job killer legislation.
Press release, Sept. 7
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SEPTEMBER
10 / Nominations due for CAWG Grower & Leader of the Year — details
NOVEMBER
11 / CAWG Board of Directors Meeting & Outgoing Chair Dinner
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