YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS

FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY

This week's eNews Includes:

CAWG News:

• Sen. Laphonza Butler Not Running for Senate Seat in 2024
• eAlert: Controlled Burn in Santa Barbara County
• Unified Wine and Grape Symposium - Registration is Open
• Rehiring Laid-off Ag Employees
• West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force Communication and Outreach Committee

Industry News:

• Deja Vu - GOP Rejections Continue in House Speaker Voting
• Oriental Fruit Fly Update
• USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program from California Producers
• California Employers and Unions Locked in Complex Battle Over State Labor Laws
• Ciatti's Global Market Report for October 2023
• A New Report Sheds Light on Millennial and Gen Z Drinking Behaviors - Plus Who (and What) Influences Buying Decisions



Upcoming Events:

• Biochar: Observed Vineyard Impact & Practical Insights for Application Webinar - Nov. 6
• Napa Valley Grapegrowers ROOTSTOCK Conference - Nov. 6-7
• Malcolm Media's Tree and Vine Expo - Nov. 7
• CAWG Wine Reception and Dinner Celebrating Outgoing Chairman Tom Slater - Nov. 8
• Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management Webinar - Nov. 13
• New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar - Dec. 12

CAWG News

Sen. Laphonza Butler Not Running for Senate Seat in 2024

Today, California Senator Laphonza Butler announced that she will not pursue election to a full term in 2024. Her appointment to the role was made by Governor Gavin Newsom following the passing of Dianne Feinstein. 

In a statement released by Sen. Butler, she stated: "I've spent the past 16 days pursuing my clarity - what kind of life I want to have, what kind of service I want to offer and what kind of voice I want to bring forward. After considering those questions, I've decided not to run for Senate in the upcoming election."

With Butler's decision to step aside from the 2024 race, she clears the way for an open race to succeed Feinstein. In California, all candidates will run in the March primary, regardless of party, with the top two advancing to the general election next November.

The primary field currently includes three prominent congressional Democrats: Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee. Just last week, Steve Garvey, a 10-time MLB All-Star and former first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, declared his candidacy as a Republican. And this week, Christina Pascucci, a former Los Angeles television anchor and reporter, announced her bid as a Democrat.

eAlert: Controlled Burn in Santa Barbara County

CAWG learned earlier today that controlled burns are happening in Santa Barbara County, creating smoke issues in vineyards. CAWG staff has been in contact with Santa Barbara County and will continue efforts in addressing this issue.

CAWG sent an eAlert earlier this afternoon.

Growers around the state might want to take notice of this situation in Santa Barbara County. It is critical statewide that county officials hear from growers if smoke from a controlled burn is hitting their vineyards.

Read the full eAlert.

Unified Wine and Grape Symposium Registration is Open

Registration and housing is currently open for the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center from January 23-25.

Your CAWG membership entitles you to a discount on your UW&GS registration.

• 1-Day General Registration – pre-registration price of $245 (reg. rate is $430)
• 3-Day General Registration – pre-registration price of $365 (reg. rate is $565)

Member discount codes have been emailed to all CAWG Members. If you didn't receive your code, please contact the CAWG office at 916-379-8995 or info@cawg.org.

To secure your $200 pre-registration discount, you must register no later than 11:59 pm (PST) on January 16, 2024. 

You don't want to miss the 30th-anniversary celebration of the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. The program for this year has been crafted to provide the grape and wine industry with essential updates on cutting-edge innovations, emerging trends, and best practices vital for future planning and making critical business decisions. You can access the complete schedule for the 2024 Symposium online, featuring a detailed list and breakdown of all sessions. More than 650 diverse companies will be participating in the two-day trade show scheduled for January 24 and 25.

For more information and to register, visit www.unifiedsymposium.org.

Rehiring Laid-off Ag Employees

In the flurry of last-minute bills dispensed with last week, Governor Newsom vetoed legislation that would have made it more difficult for employers to hire new employees. CAWG opposed these bills and sought a veto because they would have created unnecessary new requirements to rehire or transfer employees previously laid off.

In his veto message, Newsom noted that this legislation would have applied to layoffs statewide “even where layoffs are unrelated and occur in geographically disparate regions of the state.” Additionally, Newsom noted the legislation “would impose significant burdens on employers.”

If Newsom had signed these bills, beginning in 2024, some growers would have needed to provide increased advance notice when laying off workers - even seasonal workers after harvest. For some larger growers or farm labor contractors, they would have potentially needed to provide a job offer in other parts of the state when laying off a worker. This would have had to occur before hiring any new employee and would have had to be fully documented.

These bills, AB 1356 (Haney, D-San Francisco) and SB 627 (Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles), were intended to build off the Right to Recall law (SB 93). When SB 93 was adopted in 2021, it was intended to ensure that workers laid off because of the pandemic, primarily in the service sector and hospitality, were offered the chance to return to work after the shutdown. If not for the veto, AB 1356 and SB 627 would have created new and expanded requirements – complete with substantial penalties.

As a reminder of how these kinds of laws are strictly enforced, the Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) announced this week that a hotel in Long Beach was cited for allegedly failing “to timely offer job positions to 25 employees laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic.” That citation comes with damages of $4.8 million ($500 per employee per day of alleged violation).

NOTE: The words “alleged” or “allegedly” are nowhere to be found in the LCO’s news release. 

West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force Communication and Outreach Committee

The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force recently formed a new Communication and Outreach Committee and is seeking industry members to serve. This newly formed committee will take the lead in creating a new website designed to disseminate information related to smoke exposure research, events, and resources. The committee will also be responsible for gathering and disseminating industry feedback on smoke exposure to the steering committee. This feedback will contribute to a more informed approach in the task force's endeavors.

If you are interested in being part of this new committee, please reach out to Natalie Collins.

Industry News

Deja Vu - GOP Rejections Continue in House Speaker Voting

Last week, House Republicans voted to select Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) as their nominee for Speaker. Shortly after, Rep. Scalise determined he didn't have the votes needed to be elected as Speaker and dropped out of the race.

This week, the House held two votes to elect Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as Speaker, but he didn't receive the 217 votes needed to be elected. While Jordan received the majority of the votes (199) in the last round of voting, others receiving votes included McCarthy (5), Scalise (7), Zeldin (3), and seven other representatives. Most of the 22 Republicans who voted against Jordan, said they are firm in their decisions. All democrats voted for House Minority Leader Rep. Jefferies (D-NY).

Today, House Republicans met to explore a new option, a resolution to expand the power of the interim Speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) until a new Speaker is elected in January. After a closed-door, three-hour, GOP conference meeting, that option was scrapped. The next vote is unclear, but Rep. Jordan said he will continue to run for House Speaker and will bring a third vote to the House floor.

The House, essentially frozen and unable to conduct business, has been without a Speaker for more than two weeks. The situation remains dire considering the government funding deadline in November and the international crises in Ukraine and Isarel.

Oriental Fruit Fly Update

The Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Boundary in San Bernardino County - Redlands Area has been expanded. A map of the proposed boundary can be found here.

Quarantines are currently in place in Riverside County (Yucaipa area), Sacramento County (Rancho Cordova Area), Contra Costa County (Brentwood area), and Santa Clara County (Santa Clara area). 

Grapes are a known host fruit for this pest. Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 3423. 

For questions about the quarantine, please contact Vince Arellano with CDFA at vince.arellano@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 654-0312. If you wish to receive notifications from CDFA, please sign up for updates through the email notification ListServ.

CAWG is closely monitoring the increased exotic fruit fly activity around the state this year and will keep growers informed as CDFA responds to the situation.

USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program from California Producers

USDA has extended the deadline for Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) applications from California agricultural producers who need assistance to address damages from the severe storms that occurred from December 2022 to April 2023. The application deadline has been extended to December 29, 2023.

All counties in California were approved to implement ECP for damage caused by the storms and flooding. ECP provides financial assistance to producers to help them restore their farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75% of the cost of an approved restoration activity. Limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and beginning farmers and ranchers may receive up to 90% cost-share. The payment limitation for ECP is $500,000 per disaster event.

The approved ECP practices under this authorization for recovery include:

• Removing debris from farmland;
• Grading, shaping, releveling, or similar measures;
• Replacing or repairing permanent fences; and
• Restoring conservation structures and other installations

More Information

California Employers and Unions Locked in Complex Battle Over State Labor Laws

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom opened a new era in a decades-long political and legal war between employers and unions by signing SB 365. This legislation empowers workers to continue a case in court when there is a pending appeal of a trial court’s denial of a motion to compel arbitration.

While SB 365 made its way through the legislative process this year, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that appeals of disputes over the applicability of arbitration in federal courts should freeze the underlying cases. This development created a direct clash with the objectives of SB 365.

According to Cal Matters, SB 365 was opposed by many business groups, and the California Chamber of Commerce placed it on its “job killer” list. However, it stood as a high-priority measure for labor unions and was one of only a few such bills to be successfully passed and signed into law this year. Because of the Supreme Court’s pro-arbitration ruling, it’s likely that business groups will seek to legally challenge SB 365.

Ciatti's Global Market Report October 2023

The Ciatti Global Wine and Grape Brokers have released their October Global Market Report.

The report indicates that harvest and October have now reached the Northern Hemisphere, yet this year, the customary clarity associated with the harvest season is absent. This absence can be attributed to varying fortunes in Europe and a delay of up to four weeks in the growing season in California.

"It has been a year of noticeably unusual and unpredictable weather and while the subject of “climate change” comes freighted with politics, it certainly does feel like the weather is currently out of kilter in both hemispheres."

A New Report Sheds Light on Millennial and Gen Z Drinking Behaviors - Plus Who (and What) Influences Buying Decisions

“Millennials and Gen Z: A Comprehensive Study of Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Beverage Purchase and Consumption Behavior,” was an in-depth collaborative effort between the Business of Drinks podcast and Research & Marketing Strategies. The report aims to provide fresh insights into the beverage consumption habits and purchasing influences of younger generations.

Conducted in August and September of 2023, this comprehensive survey engaged 1,300 participants from the Millennial and Gen Z age groups, encompassing those born between 1980 and 1996.

The report is structured into two segments: the first section delves into general beverage preferences, while the latter half focuses exclusively on wine due to its significant decline in consumption within these demographic groups.

The findings reveal soft drinks as the most widely consumed beverage among both Gen Z and Millennials. Wine and major beer brands tied for second place among Millennials, whereas wine took the second spot among Gen Z, followed by major beer brands, spirits, and hard seltzers. Overall, Millennials reported a higher alcohol consumption rate across all categories, with the exception of non-alcoholic cocktails, where Gen Z surpassed their counterparts. Notably, only a quarter of Millennials expressed frequent enthusiasm for wine, consuming it anywhere from two to three times per week to daily.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

Biochar: Observed Vineyard Impact & Practical Insights for Application Webinar

This presentation will provide an overview of biochar, impacts observed to vineyards in NYS and beyond, and practical insights into its application in perennial systems from Debbie Aller, PhD, Extension Associate at Cornell University.

Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced from organic waste materials through a process called pyrolysis. Biochar is being used in viticulture globally and has been shown to improve productivity through improved plant and soil health without negatively impacting grape quality or wine flavor.

When and Where:

• November 6, 6 AM, Virtual

Register

Napa Valley Grapegrowers ROOTSTOCK Conference

ROOTSTOCK is an end-of-harvest conference and an opportunity for industry colleagues to connect and hear from experts in the field. The primary focus of this year's conference will be on herbicides including the history of herbicide use in vineyards and agriculture, the public perception, the various forms of its use, alternatives offered, a case study, and regulatory plans that will take effect in the future.

When and Where:

• November 6-7, Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center

Register

Malcolm Media's Tree and Vine Expo

The annual Tree and Vine Expo will include an industry trade show, State of the Almond, Pecan, Pistachio, Walnut & Wine Grape Industry presentations and seminars on Pesticide Regulatory Changes to Prepare For, Whole Orchard Recycling, AI Vineyard Management, Comparing Pomegranate Irrigation Requirements, Tree & Vine Disease Management, Vine & Rootstock Pairing, Navel Orangeworm & Vine Mealybug IPM, On-Farm Wildlife Management, and New & Upcoming Ag Legislation. 

Michael Miiller, CAWG's Director of Government Relations, will provide the Ag Legislation Update at 11:30 AM. The full agenda is posted online. 

When and Where:

• November 7, Stanislaus County Fair

Registration is free

CAWG Wine Reception and Dinner Celebrating Outgoing Chairman Tom Slater

Join the CAWG Board of Directors as we gather for an evening of wine, food, networking, and camaraderie to celebrate the outstanding leadership and contributions of outgoing CAWG Chair Tom Slater and the six departing CAWG directors. 

CAWG looks forward to a night of celebration, reflecting on Tom's unwavering commitment, leadership, and dedication to not only CAWG, but the entire winegrape industry. 

A special thank you to Relation Insurance, NAU Country, and Farm Credit for their sponsorship of the dinner. 

When and Where:

• November 8, Prelude Kitchen and Bar, Downtown Sacramento

RSVP

Questions? Email Jenny Devine.

Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management Webinar

Join Dr. Katie Gold, Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University as she presents her research findings on Agrichemical Remote Sensing to Improve Sustainable Grape Disease Management.

Dr. Gold’s Grape Sensing, Pathology, and Extension Lab at Cornell studies the fundamental and applied science of plant disease and plant-microbe interaction sensing to improve integrated grape disease management. The Gold Lab specializes in the use of in situ and imaging spectroscopy (also known as hyperspectral imaging) deployed at a range of spatial scales, from proximal, autonomous rovers to spacecraft, to characterize asymptomatic disease physiology and the impacts of management intervention on early grape disease detection.

When and Where:

• November 13, 6 AM, Virtual

Register

New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar

Join CAWG and Fisher Phillips for a webinar providing a roundup of new state labor legislation, guidelines, and regulations that recently took effect or will take effect in January 2024.

Governor Newsom signed some significant labor and employment legislation with which California employers will need to comply. Learn how these changes may apply to your operation and how best to ensure compliance.

Presenting will be Brandon Kahoush and Collin Cook with Fisher & Phillips, LLP, along with Michael Miiller, CAWG’s Director of Government Relations.

When and Where:

• December 12, 10 AM, Virtual

Register

OCTOBER

24 - CAWG PAC Dinner at Guantonios in Lodi

November

8 - CAWG Board Meeting & Outgoing Chairman Dinner

December

12 - New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar

January

23-25 - Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

STAY CONNECTED