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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:
- CAWG Sponsors State Legislation to Help Growers
- Ag Overtime
- Leadership Bill Packages
- The Winegrape Update - March 12
- Old/New Legislation
- USDA Reinstates Researchers, Allowing Critical Work to Continue
- U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture Hearing Specialty Crops
- Field to Future | Cultivated Conversations on Smoke Exposure in Winegrapes
Industry News:
- UFW and ACLU File Lawsuit Over Central Valley Raids
- Governor Newsom Applauds Federal Investment in Sites Reservoir
- The Path to Industry-Wide Adoption of Regenerative Viticulture
- GO-Biz Now Accepting Applications for California Competes Tax Credits
- Cal Fire Releases New Hazard Maps for the Bay Area and Wine Country
- National Viticulture and Enology Extension Leadership Community is Back
- Secretary Rollins Releases the First Tranche of Funding Under Review
- USDA to Survey Farmers on 2025 Planting Intentions
Upcoming Events:
- Upcoming Virtual Industry Meeting: Invasive Fruit Fly Update
- UC Davis Viticulture & Enology - On the Road Programs
- Sustainable Winegrowing & Certification Overview Webinar
- GO-Biz Webinar on Tax Credit Application
- Spotted Lanternfly Summit
REMINDER: CAWG Foundation Scholarship Deadline - Tomorrow, February 28! The CAWG Foundation is awarding six scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.
Learn more and encourage high school seniors to apply!
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CAWG Sponsors State Legislation to Help Growers
CAWG sent an eAlert earlier this week outlining three bills the association is sponsoring.
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SB 628 (Grove, R-Bakersfield) would create a tax credit against payroll taxes paid to EDD to cover the costs of overtime wages paid by ag employers. CAWG is co-sponsoring this bill with California Farm Bureau. A report from the University of California shows that the existing overtime law has resulted in less take-home pay for ag employees. Press Release
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AB 717 (Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters) would make it easier for growers to divert water during heavy stream flows for storage in irrigation ponds. CAWG is co-sponsoring this bill with Wine Institute. This is the fourth bill we have sponsored on this issue since 2017, and are hopeful the legislation will get signed into law this year.
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SB 279 (McNerney, D-Pleasanton) streamlines the permitting process for growers who want to use ag waste to create compost on ag land. CAWG is co-sponsoring this bill with Western Tree Nut Association, CA Alliance for Community Composting, Californians Against Waste, The Climate Center, and People Food & Land Foundation.
Register today to join CAWG in Sacramento on Tuesday, March 25, for our State Advocacy Day. This year’s keynote speaker, Professor Alexandra Hill of U.C. Berkeley, will discuss her research on the impact of California’s ag overtime law, which has led to reduced take-home pay for farm employees. The findings from this study have aided in making a case for SB 628 to create a tax credit against overtime wages paid.
There is no cost to attend. We encourage you to join and bring along any fellow growers who would benefit from being involved. The more voices we have, the stronger our impact will be.
REGISTER
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Ag Overtime
This week, a media report in Oregon stated that an Oregon State University study found that Oregon’s ag overtime law has resulted in reduced hours of work for ag employees. The study concluded, “We find that agricultural overtime will negatively affect farm profitability and, perhaps surprisingly, will decrease the weekly earnings of some farm workers. “
This is consistent with the findings from a similar report about California’s ag overtime law from the University of California, Berkeley.
CAWG is sponsoring SB 628 (Grove, R-Bakersfield) which would create a tax credit against payroll taxes paid to EDD to cover the costs of overtime wages paid by ag employers. CAWG is co-sponsoring this bill with California Farm Bureau.
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Leadership Bill Packages
This week, Assembly Republicans held a press conference, introducing “a sweeping legislative package aimed at tackling California’s affordability crisis and providing much-needed relief to working families.” The legislative package targets the rising costs of food, gas, housing, insurance, health care, and utilities.
"For years, Californians have been struggling under the weight of high taxes and skyrocketing costs, all while Democrats in Sacramento refuse to offer real solutions," said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher. "Our plan provides tangible relief and delivers the affordability that hardworking families deserve."
Senate Democrats also held a press conference this week to announce, “legislation focused on long-term stability of the state’s insurance market.” The legislation would mostly enhance hardening standards, create a public catastrophic model for wildfires, create a one-year non-renewal moratorium for commercial policies, and expand defensible space requirements.
“We have been sounding the alarm on the pending insurance crisis for years and it has become unsustainable,” said Senate leader Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg). “This is why California is making historic investments to reduce fire risk, make our communities more fire safe, and aggressively respond to wildfire. There’s much more that needs to be done.”
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The Winegrape Update · March 12 at 10:00am
Designed exclusively for CAWG members, this virtual forum offers a unique space for members to interact with CAWG staff, industry experts, and fellow members in a town hall format.
March's forum will focus on the Pierce’s Disease Control Program and upcoming grower referendum vote. Last year, Assemblywoman Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) authored AB 1861, a bill sponsored by CAWG to extend the Pierce’s Disease Control Program through 2031, and it was unanimously approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom. As a result, this spring, CDFA will hold a referendum to determine if growers want to continue funding the program through grower assessments.
CDFA staff will join CAWG to share their work and research to help growers while answering any questions about the program.
Register here
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USDA Reinstates Researchers, Allowing Critical Work to Continue
This week, eight winegrape research scientists who were abruptly fired on February 17 have been reinstated. The former USDA employees received emails notifying them that their terminations had been rescinded and that they should return to work immediately.
Among those affected was Arran Rumbaugh, a USDA smoke exposure researcher, whose termination was part of a broader wave of federal layoffs impacting an estimated 200,000 employees.
It is still unclear as to the reasoning for the reversals, but stakeholder advocacy and a federal ruling that determined the terminations violated regulations, may have both been part of it.
Last week, CAWG President Natalie Collins, Alisa Jacobson, co-chair of the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force (WCSETF) research subcommittee, and Dr. Rumbaugh met with Congressman Mike Thompson to discuss ways to reverse the terminations. The industry thanks Congressman Thompson for his vocal support on this issue.
Read More.
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U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture Hearing Specialty Crops
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry recently held a hearing discussing the challenges facing specialty crop growers, including those in the winegrape industry. Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) highlighted the industry's ongoing struggles, stating, “The specialty crop industry continues to face unique pressures—the high cost of labor, competition with cheap imports, pest and disease challenges, limited access to risk management tools, and the list goes on."
Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) also underscored the importance of improving crop insurance options for growers and providing better tools for pest control. She also stressed the need to address workforce shortages to ensure the industry's sustainability.
The committee also discussed crop protection issues, noting that many key pesticides and herbicides are being phased out, leaving growers with fewer options to manage pests and diseases.
The Senate Agriculture Committee is focused on addressing these issues in the upcoming Farm Bill to protect growers and support the agricultural economy.
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Field to Future | Cultivated Conversations on Smoke Exposure in Winegrapes
The Center for Land-Based Learning is hosting a virtual session on March 24 at 1:00pm focused on smoke exposure in wine grapes and its impact on vineyards and wine quality. CAWG President Natalie Collins will participate in the presentation, alongside researcher Elizabeth Tomasino of Oregon State University.
Learn more and register here.
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UFW and ACLU File Lawsuit Over Central Valley Raids
United Farm Workers and the American Civil Liberties Union of California are suing the federal government over the U.S. Border Patrol’s January deportation raids in Kern County that led to 78 arrests.
The lawsuit filed Wednesday in the U.S District Court Eastern District of California’s Fresno Division also names five Kern County residents as plaintiffs.
The lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol calls the federal raids that happened in predominantly Latino areas in the Valley unlawful and a violation of the U.S Constitution and federal law.
Read: News Story / Court Filing
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Governor Newsom Applauds Federal Investment in Sites Reservoir
The federal government has released $315 million in funding for new water storage projects, including the future Sites Reservoir and the existing San Luis Reservoir.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement following the Trump administration’s release of obligated funding for the Sites Reservoir Project:
“We are grateful for this shared priority with the Trump Administration as we move forward together to build critical infrastructure to improve water storage.”
The Sites Reservoir will capture and store water during wet seasons for use during drier periods. Once completed, it will hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water—enough to supply more than 4.5 million homes for a year.
Key Project Details:
- Total Estimated Cost: $4 billion
- Proposition 1 State Funding Eligibility: $875.4 million
- State Funding Awarded So Far: $46.75 million
- Recent Legal Victory: Governor Newsom streamlined the project by defeating a CEQA legal challenge and preserving the win on appeal.
For more details on the project, visit build.ca.gov.
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The Path to Industry-Wide Adoption of Regenerative Viticulture
Regenerative viticulture is more than just the newest buzzword, it’s a proven approach to improving soil health, biodiversity, and vineyard resilience. While boutique wineries have embraced these practices, large-scale adoption is key to making a lasting impact.
CAWG Member Bonterra Organic Estates in Mendocino, one of the first large-scale wineries to implement regenerative farming, has all 850 planted acres certified through the Regenerative Organic Alliance. While regenerative practices can increase upfront costs, data suggests long-term benefits. At Robert Hall Winery, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers observed a 6% yield increase and a 7% cost increase in their regenerative vineyards, with fruit showing greater resilience to climate extremes. Other wineries, like Familia Torres, report healthier ecosystems, reduced irrigation needs, and long-term cost savings.
Transitioning to regenerative farming presents challenges, particularly for growers accustomed to conventional practices. To ease the shift, the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (RVF) is providing education through online webinars and in-person workshops. Their One Block Challenge encourages growers to test regenerative methods on a small scale, reducing the perceived risk of adoption.
Read more here.
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Quote of the Week
"It’s a relationship, a relationship between you and your dirt and the plants; and the grapes you’re growing and the wine you’re making are actually teaching you that entire time. And then the wine itself becomes this living, breathing thing that you get to pass around, and it provides connection, and a reason to celebrate. It’s alchemy — it’s working with dirt and then it’s gold. It’s magic.”
-Alicia Moore—aka P!nk—of Two Wolves Wine during her keynote address at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. Read more about Alicia’s story, how she got her start in viticulture, and why she thinks the wine industry will bounce back.
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GO-Biz Now Accepting Applications for California Competes Tax Credits
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). There are at least $214.7 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business.
The deadline to submit applications is Monday, March 10, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time). The online application can be accessed at: www.calcompetes.ca.gov
An updated application guide, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), a recorded webinar, and program regulations are available at: www.business.ca.gov/calcompetes.aspx
Businesses interested in learning more about California Competes can participate in a free webinar on March 6 at 3:00pm.
Details and Registration
If you have any questions regarding the California Competes program or application process, please call (916) 322-4051 or email CalCompetes@gobiz.ca.gov.
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Cal Fire Releases New Hazard Maps for the Bay Area and Wine Country
This week, Cal Fire released new fire hazard severity maps for coastal Northern California as part of a two-month rollout process ending with Southern California on March 24.
The new maps include Oakland, the site of the 1991 Tunnel Fire, and Santa Rosa, an area still recovering from the 2017 Tubbs Fire. They also include Northern California’s wine country, which has faced destructive wildfires, including the 2019 Kincade Fire and the 2018 Ranch Fire.
These updates come more than three years after the state legislature directed Cal Fire to improve wildfire hazard identification in cities and other developed areas where local fire departments handle suppression efforts.
Read More.
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National Viticulture and Enology Extension Leadership Community is Back
The National Viticulture and Enology Extension Leadership Community (NVEELC) is reconvening with support from the National Grape Research Alliance. NVEELC gathers viticulture and enology extension and industry (non-sales) outreach specialists for professional development, best-practice sharing, research and regional reports, collaboration, and dialogue on the unique challenges in V&E extension in the American grape and wine industry.
If you have an extension appointment or work in an industry outreach (non-sales) role, mark your calendars for the NVEELC virtual conference on April 9, 2025, to hear select regional, research, and regulatory reports.
See the agenda and register here.
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Secretary Rollins Releases the First Tranche of Funding Under Review
Last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA will release the first tranche of funding that was paused due to the review of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
In a press release issued by USDA, Secretary Rollins will honor contracts that were already made directly to farmers. Specifically, USDA is releasing approximately $20 million in contracts for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
Read the full press release here.
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USDA to Survey Farmers on 2025 Planting Intentions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is surveying California farmers to gather planting intentions for 2025.
Surveys were mailed on February 18 and responses are due by February 27. The data collected will be used to produce the Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports, set to be released on March 31, 2025.
For more information, visit www.nass.usda.gov or call (800) 851-1127.
Press Release.
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Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
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Upcoming Virtual Industry Meeting: Invasive Fruit Fly Update
To keep industry members informed on the latest developments regarding invasive fruit fly populations in California, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)—in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and local County Agricultural Commissioners—will host a virtual industry meeting on March 5 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
This statewide meeting will provide industry members with direct updates from CDFA officials on recent invasive fruit fly activities, including current quarantine areas and new detections. Active quarantines include a Mediterranean fruit fly quarantine in Alameda County and an Oriental fruit fly quarantine in Orange County.
When and Where:
- March 5, 3:00 - 4:30pm - Zoom
Register
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UC Davis Viticulture & Enology - On the Road Programs
The UC Davis Viticulture & Enology Department is hosting On The Road programs in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Sonoma Counties. The On The Road programs provide an opportunity for UC Davis to communicate and present relevant topics with the California grape and wine industries by bringing faculty to different regions of California.
When and Where:
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March 5 - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties - Robert Cabral Agricultural Center, Stockton - Agenda & Registration
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March 19 - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Sonoma County - Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Santa Rosa - Agenda and Registration
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Sustainable Winegrowing & Certification Overview Webinar
Participate in this free webinar to learn about the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program (SWP), how to complete a Self-Assessment using the online portal, and the steps required to become Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW). Other helpful tools and resources will also be covered.
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Spotted Lanternfly Summit
The annual Spotted Lanternfly Summit will include three days of presentations and discussions to learn about Spotted Lanternfly research and management.
When and Where:
- March 11-13, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Zoom
Register Here
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