YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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$7B for Disaster Assistance in FY22 Ag Appropriations Bill |
The Senate Appropriations Committee last week approved the FY22 ag appropriations bill by a 25-5 vote, and it will now be considered by the full Senate. The legislation will provide $25.855 billion in discretionary spending, an increase of $2.5 billion from FY21.
- $7.03 billion for disaster assistance ($6.28 billion to aid producers who suffered losses due to droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods and other qualifying natural disasters that occurred in 2020 and 2021).
- $3.6 billion for ag research programs
- $3.56 billion for Rural Development
- $1.125 billion for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- $1.178 billion for Farm Service Agency
- $1.153 billion for Food Safety and Inspection Service
- $937 million for Natural Resources Conservation Service
Infrastructure Bill Update
The Senate on Aug. 10 voted 69-30 to advance the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package and it now heads to the House of Representatives. The package includes $550 billion in new federal investments in water, bridges, roads, broadband and more.
Advocate for Ag During August Recess
Each year, Congress recesses for the month of August and federal lawmakers head back to their home districts. House members are expected to return to D.C. the week of Aug. 23, while Senate members return Sept. 13. Growers can take action on important industry issues by meeting directly with representatives when they are in their local offices and communities. CAWG encourages you to take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard, so don’t delay with scheduling a meeting!
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Government Relations Report |
NEWSOM EXECUTIVE ORDERS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE
The California Supreme Court yesterday decided to let stand a lower court ruling that said Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency powers during the pandemic include the right to alter or make new laws. The court denied a petition submitted by Assemblymembers James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin), who sued the governor last year. Gallagher and Kiley argued Newsom acted illegally when he unilaterally created new law by issuing an executive order laying out procedures for a mail-in election.
The appellate court essentially ruled the governor has the ability during a state of emergency to exercise police powers to protect public health and safety. This includes creating new law. In declining to hear the Gallagher-Kiley case, the governor is viewed to have extensive authority to alter or write new law through an executive order.
A California Supreme Court ruling on the appellate court decision could have potentially called into question other executive orders as well. For example, last year Newsom also issued an executive order creating new worker’s compensation coverage for employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
NEWSOM RECALL ELECTION BALLOTS
Most Californians will begin receiving their mail-in ballots as early as next week and have already received the ballot pamphlet. In a Capital Public Radio article, the California Secretary of State’s office provided clarity about the recall vote: “Regardless of how a voter responds to the question of recalling the governor, they can still cast a vote for a potential replacement candidate. The votes for each question are counted separately, so your vote for one question does not impact your ability to vote on another, that includes leaving a question blank.”
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
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PD Advisory Task Force Announces New Members |
The Pierce’s Disease Advisory Task Force – which provides guidance to the PD/GWSS Board and CDFA secretary on the control and management of Pierce’s disease – is composed of county ag commissioners, scientists and ag experts. New members include:
- Tracy Cleveland, Napa County ag commissioner
- Glenn Fankhauser, Kern County ag commissioner
- Alyssa Houtby, California Citrus Mutual
- Martin Mochizuki, Mochizuki and Associates, Inc.
- Dr. Neil McRoberts, UC Davis
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LWC Announces New Officers, Board Members |
At the Lodi Winegrape Commission’s July meeting, Aaron Shinn was elected chair, Diego Olagaray vice chair, Curt Gillespie secretary and Brandon Sywassink treasurer.
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CDFA's Moffitt Confirmed as USDA Under Secretary |
Jenny Lester Moffit on Aug. 11 was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as under secretary for USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs. She will oversee a wide range of responsibilities, including animal and plant health, the regulation of biotech products, and a vast array of programs that market and promote U.S. commodities and products.
Specialty Crop Multi-State Program Grant Funding
USDA recently announced that $10 million is available for the 2021 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP). Grants are awarded to state departments of agriculture to fund collaborative, multi-state projects that address food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific common issues, and marketing and promotion for specialty crops. State departments must partner with organizations located in at least two states to qualify.
CA Farm Real Estate, Cropland Value Increase
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its 2021 land values report. For California, the farm real estate average value per acre increased 9%, from $10,000 in 2020 to $10,900 in 2021. The cropland average value per acre increased 7.4%, from $12,900 in 2020 to $13,860 in 2021. The report also shows statistics for irrigated and non-irrigated cropland, as well as farmland and buildings.
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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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Protect Workers from Unhealthy Air Due to Wildfire Smoke |
Cal/OSHA is again urging employers to protect workers from unhealthy air caused by wildfire smoke. If the air quality index (AQI) for PM2.5 is 151 or greater due to wildfire smoke, employers must take specific steps to protect employees -- including communication to employees, training employees, workplace modifications, changes to schedule or location, and respiratory protection.
Articles
KFBK News Radio, Aug. 12
North Bay Business Journal, Aug. 11
KTVU Fox 2, Aug. 10
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Providing the very best California crop insurance services. |
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Drought and Reservoir Conditions |
Statistics (current conditions vs. this time last year)
Articles
Ag Alert, Aug. 11
DWR, Aug. 11
PPIC, Aug. 9
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San Diego County
The value of winegrapes was $5.21 million in 2020, a decrease from $5.58 million in 2019. Production in 2020 was 1,372 harvested acres, 3,073 tons and $1,694 per ton. Production in 2019 was 1,511 harvested acres, 3,596 tons and $1,552 per ton.
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Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Aug. 11
Wine Business, Aug. 10
Autonomous tractor technology begins marketing to Western U.S. orchard and vineyard growers.
Good Fruit Grower, Aug. 10
Wine Industry Advisor, Aug. 10
North Bay Business Journal, Aug. 6
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SEPTEMBER
10 / Nominations due for CAWG Grower & Leader of the Year — details
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