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YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS
FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY
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This week's eNews Includes:
CAWG News:
- Newsom Draws Ire of Labor Unions
- Managing Pests and Taxes
- CAWG Wine Reception and Dinner Celebrating Outgoing Chairman Tom Slater
- Unified Wine and Grape Symposium - CAWG Discount Codes to be Sent Next Week
- Webinar Recording - New Grapevine Crop Insurance Program
- CAWG Foundation Scholarships - Now Online!
- eAlert - Federal Government Avoids Shutdown and US Senator Appointed
Industry News:
- Governor Newsom Signed SB 616
- Oriental Fruit Fly Updates - New Quarantine Boundaries
- Representative Kevin McCarthy Ousted as Speaker in Historic Vote
- SVB's Annual State of the Industry Survey
- 2022 Annual Certification Report Released
- CDFA Launches Farm2Food Training Program
Upcoming Events:
- Harvest Hospitality Vineyard Walk - Oct. 18
- CAWG PAC Dinner at Guantonios in Lodi - Oct. 24
- Napa Valley Grapegrowers ROOTSTOCK Conference - Nov. 6-7
- New CA Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know Webinar - Dec. 12
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Share Your Harvest Pictures
Harvest season is FINALLY here and the skies over Acampo made a great backdrop for this Chardonnay harvest.
Want to share your harvest pictures? Tag CAWG in your social media post or email your pictures to mindy@cawg.org.
Let's celebrate this bountiful season together!
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Newsom Draws Ire of Labor Unions
Last year, labor leaders were singing the praises of Governor Newsom for signing card check legislation for ag employees. As recently as late last week, labor leaders were again celebrating Newsom, this time for his leadership in increasing the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 per hour. Both of these were priority issues for labor unions.
However, that was quickly forgotten when Newsom vetoed two bills sponsored by labor unions.
The first veto was of SB 799 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) to provide unemployment insurance benefits to striking workers. CAWG opposed SB 799 because the UI Fund is facing a $20 billion deficit, resulting in higher UI taxes for employers for the next 10 to 15 years. In vetoing the bill, Newsom said, “Now is not the time to increase costs or incur this sizable debt.”
The second veto was SB 686 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) requiring all household employers to comply with workplace safety regulations. This would mean, for example, that a single mom hiring in-home childcare would need to prepare and implement an Illness and Injury Prevention Program for the home. In his veto message, Newsom said, “this bill creates severe cost burdens and penalties for many people [domestic employers] who cannot afford them.”
In direct response to the vetoes, labor unions went after Newsom with cannons blazing. Below are a few examples of the public statements from union leaders:
** emphasis added
In making these sharp statements, labor unions were apparently sending a clear message to policymakers in Sacramento: If lawmakers ever disagree with a union, they will be subject to immediate ridicule and indignation with no recognition or appreciation for anything the lawmaker did in the past to support unions. Even if “in the past” means only a few months or days ago.
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Quote of the Week:
“Dianne [Feinstein] was so good at what she does, and so pure, that it’s my only shot at heaven. Her making the case.”
-Willie Brown before today’s memorial for Senator Feinstein
See Twitter Post
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Managing Pests and Taxes
For the last several years, the legislature and the governor’s office (Brown & Newsom) have been slowly scaling back pesticide use in California. This is for both agriculture and nonagricultural settings. Chlorpyrifos, 1,3-Dichloropropene (Telone), and others have been prohibited or further restricted. Neonicotinoids are the most recent pesticide facing new control measures with AB 363 (Bauer-Kahan, D-Orinda) currently pending on Governor Newsom’s desk.
In regulating pesticides, the primary role of the Department of Pesticide Regulation (and CDFA before that), has historically been the review, approval, and safe use of pesticides. DPR looked at the following questions: Is the product safe? How can it be used safely? Where and how much is being used? Are people complying with the law?
In recent years though, DPR has significantly expanded its role as a regulator. DPR is now heavily focused on “innovative research, outreach, and education to encourage the development and adoption of integrated pest management tools and practices." In that vein, DPR is currently accepting public comment on their proposed 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. CAWG encourages growers to share their comments or concerns.
To fund those expanded efforts, DPR will likely be proposing in 2024 a phased-in increase of the mill tax – from the current $0.021 for every dollar in pesticide sales, up to $0.0339 per dollar in sales. This would be a 58% increase across the board. Additionally, DPR is exploring the creation of a tiered structure where the mill tax would be set based on toxicity.
The interesting aspect of funding for DPR is that if it accomplishes its agenda (substantially reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides) DPR will be cutting its own budget. In short, if there is no use of pesticides, there is no mill tax funding for DPR. Keep in mind, for example, that pesticide use on winegrapes is declining.
This is why CAWG has repeatedly stated in public hearings that to the extent DPR is expanding its scope and purpose into outreach, education, sustainability, etc., we have no objection. However, those efforts should not be funded by the mill tax and should instead be funded through the General Fund or other funding sources.
The purpose of the mill tax is to “support the state’s pesticide regulatory program.” Spending of mill tax revenues should be limited to that narrow purpose.
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CAWG Wine Reception and Dinner Celebrating Outgoing Chairman Tom Slater
Join the CAWG Board of Directors on Wednesday, November 8, 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.
The dinner will be hosted at Prelude Kitchen and Bar, located near the CAWG office.
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.
RSVP
Questions? Email Jenny Devine.
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Unified Wine and Grape Symposium - CAWG Discount Codes to be Sent Next Week
Registration and housing for the 30th Annual Unified Wine & Grape Symposium (UW&GS) will open on Tuesday, October 17, at 9 AM PT.
CAWG members can receive up to $200 off (per individual) their registration to the show. Codes will be sent to all CAWG members next week. If you do not receive your membership code, contact the CAWG office.
The UW&GS Program Development Committee has put together a timely and dynamic program. Sessions will include topics on labeling requirements and regulations, AI, no and low-alcohol winemaking, and regenerative agriculture, to name a few.
The Thursday General session will include a deep dive conversation on the future of wine and how we got here with Elaine Chukan Brown, Hawk Wakawaka Wine Reviews, Cathy Corison, Corison Winery, Theodora Lee, Theopolis Vineyards, and Carole Meredith, UC Davis Emerita. A light breakfast and a networking opportunity will be hosted with the Thursday morning speakers prior to the general session.
Several new and exciting 2024 UW&GS sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available for all budget sizes, and custom sponsorship opportunities are available. Review the sponsorship and advertising options to discover all available opportunities. For more details contact, Jenny Devine.
Visit the UW&GS website to register and see program details.
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Webinar Recording - New Grapevine Crop Insurance Program
CAWG and Relation Insurance (Pan American) hosted a webinar earlier today to discuss the newly released grapevine crop insurance program. Kristine Fox and James Dillon of Relations Insurance addressed the challenges winegrape growers face in securing adequate property coverage for vine loss in the private market.
As a reminder, the deadline to sign up for coverage is November 1st, 2023 and coverage is available in Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Luis Obispo, and Sonoma counties.
Watch the webinar here.
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CAWG Foundation Scholarships - Now Online
Applications for the 2024 CAWG Scholarship Program are now available. New this year, we have transitioned the application process to a streamlined and convenient online submission platform. High Schools throughout California have received application packets with information on how to apply.
Established in 1998, the CAWGF provides financial assistance to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue a higher education while honoring the hard work of vineyard employees who help produce the highest quality winegrapes.
Each year, six scholarships are awarded to students who are the children of California vineyard employees to study the subject of their choice at either a UC or CSU four-year program ($8,000 each) or a California Community College two-year program ($2,000 each). In addition, the Robert Miller Scholarship for Viticulture and Enology is also available for students on the Central Coast who plan to major in viticulture and/or enology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, or Allan Hancock College. Applicants for the Robert Miller scholarship are not required to be the child of a California vineyard employee.
The scholarship deadline is March 1, 2024. Learn more here.
Questions? Email Carolee Williams.
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eAlert - Federal Government Avoids Shutdown and US Senator Appointed
On Saturday, the White House announced President Biden had signed into law H.R. 5860 - A stopgap bill that adverted a shutdown of the Federal Government. The bill provides funding for the federal government through November 17 and includes $16 billion in supplemental funding for domestic disaster relief.
Last week, Senator Dianne Feinstein passed away at the age of 90. She was the longest-serving female in the Senate. CAWG President Natalie Collins issued the following statement about Senator Feinstein celebrating her life and legacy.
"On behalf of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. Her enduring commitment to public service and her tireless leadership has left an indelible impact.
California and the entire nation have lost a true champion, celebrated for her capacity to rise above partisan boundaries, and focus on the issues at hand. Our thoughts are with her family, colleagues, staff, and all who held her long and distinguished career in high regard.”
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler, President of EMILY's List, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Feinstein. Butler's past experience also includes running political campaigns and leading strategy efforts for numerous companies, organizations, and elected leaders.
CAWG issued an eAlert covering these updates. Read the full eAlert here.
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Governor Newsom Signed SB 616
Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed SB 616 by Senator Gonzales (D-Long Beach) expanding workers paid sick leave to five days per year and increasing their ability to earn and keep them. CAWG opposed this legislation. This legislation will take effect January 1, 2024.
In a release issued by Governor Newsom's office he said, “Too many folks are still having to choose between skipping a day’s pay and taking care of themselves or their family members when they get sick,” said Governor Newsom. “We’re making it known that the health and wellbeing of workers and their families is of the utmost importance for California’s future.”
CAWG opposed SB 616 because a doctor's note is not required, thereby, making this new leave a form of paid time off for any reason. Additionally, a seasonal employee could save this leave, without regard to whether the employee is actually ill, and take it all at the end of their term of employment (including during harvest).
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Oriental Fruit Fly Updates - New Quarantine Boundaries
A new Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Boundary was added in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, specifically in the Redlands and Yucaipa Areas. Quarantines are currently in place in 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.
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.
If you wish to receive notifications from CDFA, please sign up for updates through the email notification ListServ.
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Representative Kevin McCarthy Ousted as Speaker of the House in Historic Vote
In a historic vote, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was removed from his position in a 216-210 vote of the House. A few months ago, Representative Gaetz (R-FL) warned that he would call for a motion to vacate if McCarthy worked with Democrats on a funding extension. Last week he accused McCarthly of striking a secret deal with President Biden to avoid a government shutdown over the weekend. On Tuesday, Gaatz filed the motion to remove McCarthy from his speakership. McCarthy was elected as speaker in January, after 15 rounds of voting.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged House Republicans to do away with the motion to vacate, contending it "makes the Speakers' job impossible." House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan have both put their names into the race to become the next House speaker.
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SVB's Annual State of the Industry Survey
Each year, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) conducts a survey to gather and provide metrics, insights, and trends in the wine industry. All respondents who fully complete the survey will receive gratis survey results that include anonymized detailed responses, and summary analysis.
The survey results in aid in the State of the Wine Industry Report in January. SVB's survey is open now and will close on October 22.
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2022 Annual Certification Report Released
The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance released its 2022 Certification Report and Appendix detailing major accomplishments of Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) and certified vineyards and wineries.
The program continues to grow with 16.6 million cases bearing the CCSW logo, 38% of California winegrape acres certified and 80% of California wine made by certified California wineries.
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CDFA Launches Farm2Food Training Program
The Farm2Food Accelerator Program is a free program in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and NASDA Foundation that provides customized training and assistance to grow your business.
The program runs from November 1, 20023 through March 20, 2024, and immerses participants in a community of experts and peers while working through modules that take the uncertainty out of diversifying production.
The deadline to apply is October 9, 2023. Learn more and apply here.
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Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
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Harvest Hospitality Vineyard Walk
Napa Valley Growers is hosting its Seasonal Vineyard Walk. Brittany Pederson, Director of Viticulture for Renteria Vineyard Management, will walk attendees through a Cabernet Sauvignon pick at the Renteria 360 Vineyard in Oakville and share insights about the 2023 harvest, the challenges growers face, the quality of the vintage, and more.
When and Where:
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October 18, 8:30 AM, Renteria 360 Vineyard, Napa
Register
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CAWG PAC Dinner at Guantonios in Lodi
Join the CAWG PAC and the CAWG Board on Tuesday, October 24, for an intimate family-style dinner and fundraiser at Guantonios, in Lodi. Space is limited! The evening will include a farm-to-fork specialty dinner menu paired with California wines.
Guantonios is a family-owned and operated restaurant focused on, and inspired by, the beauty that is Northern California agriculture.
Don't miss this opportunity to support the CAWG PAC and join us at one of Lodi's most popular restaurants.
Download the event flyer here.
For Sponsorship opportunities, contact Jenny Devine.
Register here.
Thank you, Sponsors!
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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
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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:
Register
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