YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
|
Government Relations Report |
ETS: OLD WORKPLACE STANDARDS ARE BACK
At an emergency meeting on June 9 the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (board) reconsidered the emergency temporary standards (ETS) for COVID prevention at work.
Summary of the meeting:
- The board voted to withdraw the revised ETS, which was approved on June 3.
- The board announced it would release a proposed revised ETS on Friday, to be voted on June 17 and to take effect June 28.
- In the meantime, the original ETS will still be in effect.
- It appears the board may conform the ETS masking rules to the CDPH/CDC guidance (rather than “everyone in a room” must be vaccinated for masks to come off). But there could be other changes, and we will not know for sure until we see the new language.
In other words, we are back to the original ETS. When the state reopens on June 15, the workplace rules that were in place in December and January – at the height of the pandemic – will still be in place. For example, all employees must mask regardless of vaccination status. This will likely be the law until June 28. This is unless Gov. Newsom issues an executive order to clean up the ETS mess.
Hopefully the new ETS will align with the CDPH/CDC guidance and allow vaccinated individuals in the workplace to unmask, even if others are unvaccinated. The board will likely also loosen requirements for housing and transportation. However, the board may also increase testing requirements for unvaccinated employees.
Gov. Newsom yesterday said he will make an announcement today about the ETS, but it is unclear what he will announce.
>ARTICLE (CA officials’ flip-flopping triggers restrictive 2020 masking rules for businesses; Newsom promises “more nuanced” announcement on Friday)
CAWG TESTIMONY IN THE NEWS
Press release featuring full testimony sent to wine/ag industry media.
AP News article that was picked up by numerous state and national media outlets.
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
|
|
|
COVID-19 Resources and Articles |
COUNTY DATA AS OF JUNE 8:
Substantial/red = 3 (June 1 = 4)
Moderate/orange = 31 (June 1 = 35)
Minimal/yellow = 24 (June 1 = 19)
COVID19.CA.GOV
CAWG
NEW
Whether you are already vaccinated or plan to be, you are eligible for a prize. Winners will be notified by CDPH.
Capital Public Radio, June 8
June 7
Washington Post June 5
Press release, June 3
|
|
|
Drought Emergency Regulations |
We all understand the very nature of a drought means less water availability. However, the emergency regulation includes an unprecedented provision which states that ag use of water is a “waste and unreasonable use of water.” CAWG and other ag organizations are pushing back on the board taking such a position.
Growers are responsible stewards of the land and water conservation is a critical part of their water management plan. For example, in Sonoma County alone, 99% of vineyards (60,000 acres) are certified sustainable.
Referring to ag use of water as a waste would be incredibly poor public policy. The board is set to vote on the regulation at its meeting on June 15.
—Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / (916) 204-0485
|
|
|
State Agencies Urge Water Managers to Promote Water Conservation |
With the worsening drought, the California Public Utilities Commission, State Water Resources Control Board and Department of Water Resources are asking local and regional water suppliers to increase their conservation efforts, develop water supply contingency plans and urge Californians to save water.
|
|
|
 |
Providing the very best California crop insurance services. |
|
|
|
$41.8M in Assistance to Ag Producers in Drought-Impacted States |
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced it is offering $41.8 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help ag producers in California and other western states alleviate the immediate impacts of drought. NRCS will provide the funding through conservation incentive contracts, a new option available through EQIP. Applications will be accepted now through July 12, 2021.
|
|
|
WOTUS to be Redefined — Again
|
The U.S. EPA and the Department of the Army plan to reverse the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. On June 9, the agencies concluded a review of the rule defining the term “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). They also announced their intention to initiate a new rulemaking process that restores the protections in place prior to the 2015 WOTUS implementation and develops a new rule establishing a definition of “waters of the United States.”
Background: In an effort to repeal and replace the 2015 rule under the Obama administration – and reduce extreme regulatory overreach – the Trump administration announced its revised definition of WOTUS on Jan. 23, 2020 and the final Navigable Waters Protection Rule went into effect on June 22, 2020.
|
|
|
Machines Can Help Winegrape Growers Survive Labor Shortage |
Kaan Kurtural and Matthew Fidelibus, UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, recently published a 37-page review that aims to help growers effectively incorporate machines in their vineyards for consistent and economical production of winegrapes. They focus on vineyard design considerations, winter pruning, canopy management and harvesting. The review ("Mechanization of Pruning, Canopy Management, and Harvest in Winegrape Vineyards") includes several pages of photos of mechanization and vineyards.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Reminder: Comments Due June 15 for Proposed Upper Lake Valley AVA |
|
|
Heat-related Illness and Injuries, Climate, and Practical Solutions for Ag Workers |
|
|
June 5-13: California Invasive Species Action Week |
This annual event promotes the fight against invasive species that harm California agriculture and natural resources. Prevention is the most effective strategy. Check out the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website to see how the agencies, nonprofits and volunteer groups are involved.
Entomology Today, June 7
|
|
|
Wine Institute Announces New Chair, Leadership |
Groth Vineyards & Winery President and CEO Suzanne Groth was elected Wine Institute board chair for the 2021-2022 at its recent annual meeting. Other officers elected were Rick Tigner, Jackson Family Wines, first vice chair; Randall Lange, LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, second vice chair; Matt Gallo, E. & J. Gallo Winery, treasurer; and Robin Baggett, Alpha Omega Winery and Tolosa Winery, secretary.
|
|
|
FOX40 News, June 9
Wine Business, June 9
Ag Alert, June 9
Winegrape growers already contend with climate change impacts, according to two German growers who share perspectives on responding.
Good Fruit Grower, June 8
John Aguirre and Kaan Kurtural are interviewed.
KOVR/CBS13, June 7
Capital Public Radio, June 5
Press release, June 2
|
|
CAWG FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT |
|
The CAWG board of directors and staff wish to thank all those who attended and generously supported yesterday's CAWG Foundation Golf Tournament. We enjoyed seeing everyone! It was so much fun to have our members and industry friends come together for the first time in months -- and for a great cause!
Photos will appear in the July issue of The Crush.
|
|
|
CAWG PAC Honors Sen. Bill Dodd |
Jackson Family Wines to Host Special Event at La Crema Estate/Saralee's Vineyard in Windsor
WHEN: June 17 / 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of fantastic appetizers, wine, networking...plus a special celebration and award to Sen. Bill Dodd for his years of leadership and public service.
>FLYER (event details, registration, sponsorships)
|
|
|
NEW: Taste of California: Specialty Crop Showcase & Virtual Buyers Meetings
HOSTS: CDFA and partner groups. Funded by the 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
ABOUT: This showcase is a virtual trade show designed to assist California specialty crop producers, large and small, connect with international food and ag industry executives throughout the world. Virtual buyer meetings in July and August are with United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong and India.
Office Hours with Dave and Anita: Delayed Spring Growth and Cold Damage in the Vineyard
WHEN: June 17 / 2 – 3 p.m.
ASEV-NGRA Precision Viticulture Symposium
WHEN: June 21 / 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
ABOUT: This symposium convenes precision viticulture experts, as well as growers applying precision technology. Segments: Keynote presentations, vine management, pests and diseases, crop estimation and other tools, and early adopters.
|
|
JUNE
JULY
17 / CAWG Annual Meeting (virtual)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
