|
YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS
FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY
| |
|
This Week's eNews Includes:
CAWG News:
- CAWG Advocates for Winegrape Growers in Washington, D.C.
- President Trump’s Joint Session Speech
- EDD’s UI Fraud Problems
- Make California Great Again?
- The Winegrape Update - March 12
- CAWG's Advocacy Day 2025 and Reception
Industry News:
- President Trump Postpones Some Tariffs on Mexico and Canada
- How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown?
- USDA FSA Disaster and Farm Loan Programs/Resources Information Session
- Specialty Crop Employers—Survey Closes March 10!
- Silicon Valley Bank: Direct-to-Consumer Wine Report
Upcoming Events:
- Clarksburg Grape Day
- Spotted Lanternfly Summit
- UC Davis Viticulture & Enology - On the Road Programs
- Field to Future | Cultivated Conversations on Smoke Exposure in Winegrapes
- Sustainable Winegrowing & Certification Overview Webinar
| |
|
CAWG Advocates for Winegrape Growers in Washington, D.C.
This week, a delegation of CAWG members traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress and key federal agencies, advocating for California winegrape growers. Discussions focused on trade policy, the Farm Bill, appropriations requests, dietary guidelines, and the need to protect leading industry researchers.
CAWG emphasized the importance of fair competition for domestic growers, science-based dietary policies, and federal investments in research and disaster assistance. These meetings provided valuable opportunities to ensure lawmakers and agency officials understand the challenges facing our industry.
We appreciate the engagement of our members and the support of our elected officials. Stay tuned for a full recap of our discussions and next steps.
| |
|
President Trump’s Joint Session Speech
On March 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump delivered his first address to the 119th Congress. The speech focused on economic growth, energy independence, immigration reform, and national security.
Trump emphasized the importance of domestic energy production, deregulation, and trade reforms, including tariffs on foreign imports. The President addressed social issues, including the rollback of diversity mandates and the introduction of a new “gold card” immigration program. He also reaffirmed his commitment to national security, including efforts to combat illegal immigration and classify foreign gangs as terrorist organizations.
For a full analysis of President Trump’s address, please read the memo prepared by Cornerstone Government Affairs.
| |
|
EDD’s UI Fraud Problems
During the pandemic, we all learned how EDD’s system of paying unemployment benefits was ripe for fraud and abuse. Payment of benefits on fraudulent claims was so prevalent, it helped grow the UI Fund deficit, which is now around $20 billion.
So, in 2021, the legislature demanded that EDD develop a plan for assessing the effectiveness of its fraud prevention and detection tools. The legislature also required EDD to provide an annual report to the legislature evaluating the effectiveness of its fraud prevention and detection tools.
However, AB 1350 (Hart, D-Santa Barbara) is now proposing to change that annual report to a report provided only in odd-numbered years beginning in 2027. CAWG requested a copy of past reports from EDD and was told that those reports may not exist. CAWG staff are still tracking this down.
In the meantime, the UI Fund deficit has resulted in every California employer paying increased FUTA and State UI taxes. Ag employers are paying more than other industries because most ag employers pay the highest unemployment insurance tax rates. FUTA taxes will increase annually through 2034 or so until the deficit is paid off.
| |
|
Make California Great Again?
A recent executive order touted the following actions:
At first glance, one might assume that this was an executive order by President Trump. However, this particular executive order came this week from Governor Newsom as a directive to 224,000 full-time state workers. In short, Newsom is trying to address the situation where many state offices currently look like cubicle ghost towns.
Conversely, SB 470 (Laird, D-Santa Cruz) is proposing to allow officials appointed to head up dozens of state boards and commissions to participate in public meetings remotely. These officials hear public testimony and then make decisions on enforcement proceedings, regulatory actions, pending litigation, staff hires and fires, and much more.
So yes, at the same time Newsom is instructing staff at state agencies to get back to the office, the legislature is considering telling the heads of many state agencies they can work remotely.
| |
|
The Winegrape Update · March 12 at 10:00 am
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 the 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.
| |
CAWG's Advocacy Day 2025 and Reception
CAWG’s Advocacy Day 2025 is less than three weeks away—this is your chance to make your voice heard in Sacramento! As a CAWG member, you have a unique opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about the critical challenges facing the wine industry and to be part of the solution.
A key focus this year is how changes to agricultural overtime laws are impacting both growers and their employees. CAWG is co-sponsoring SB 628, a bill that would create a payroll tax credit for agricultural employers to help offset the costs of providing overtime wages to farmworkers. This legislation aims to:
- Increase opportunities for farmworkers to earn overtime pay.
- Provide financial relief to agricultural businesses facing rising labor costs.
Growers attending Advocacy Day will play a vital role in advancing this bill by meeting with elected officials and sharing their firsthand experiences. After a productive day of advocacy, CAWG invites you to a legislative reception at our office to continue the conversation.
There is no cost to attend and the more voices we have, the stronger our impact.
Register here.
| |
|
President Trump Postpones Some Tariffs on Mexico and Canada
Earlier today, President Trump announced he is delaying the implementation of 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, citing concerns over potential economic fallout from an expanded trade war.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his intention to impose “reciprocal” tariffs beginning April 2. According to the signed orders, imports from Mexico that comply with the 2020 USMCA trade agreement will be exempt from the 25% tariffs for a month. Similarly, imports from Canada—particularly autos and auto parts—that meet trade deal requirements will also receive a temporary exemption.
However, Canadian potash used by U.S. farmers will face a 10% tariff, the same rate Trump has proposed for Canadian energy products.
Read more.
| |
|
How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown?
The U.S. government is at risk of shutting down next weekend unless Congress reaches a last-minute funding agreement before the March 14 deadline. If no deal is struck, non-essential government operations will halt, delaying paychecks for federal workers and potentially causing financial strain on American families.
House Republicans, who hold a narrow majority, are pushing a six-month stopgap measure to keep funding at current levels through September. While former President Trump supports the plan, some GOP lawmakers remain hesitant, and passing the measure without Democratic support will be difficult.
Tensions are high as Democrats oppose the funding extension, citing concerns over recent federal budget cuts. Meanwhile, Republicans are already positioning Democrats as responsible for any shutdown. With the Senate requiring 60 votes to pass a bill, bipartisan cooperation is crucial.
As the deadline approaches, negotiations remain tense, and the possibility of a shutdown continues to create uncertainty for millions of Americans.
Read more.
| |
Quote of the Week
“Price matters. In the US, we need to proudly champion the $15 bottle. There's a lot of very good wine at that price point which is accessible for younger people. Seventy-five percent of Millennials and Gen Z have never spent $50 on a bottle of wine. We have to dispel the narrative that “good” wine starts at prices most young (or older) people will never pay.”
-Gino Colangelo, who operates Colangelo & Partners, a public relations agency.
| | |
|
USDA FSA Disaster and Farm Loan Programs/Resources Information Session
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the USDA Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE) will host a virtual information session on March 27 to discuss Disaster & Farm Loan Programs/Resources.
This informative session will provide an overview of disaster programs and resources available at the USDA FSA to support the farmer and rancher community. This webinar will also cover FSA loan programs, including options for beginning farmers, direct farm operating loans, and loan assistance tools. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about essential financial resources available to agricultural producers.
Register here.
| |
|
Specialty Crop Employers—Survey Closes March 10!
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Specialty Crop Ag Workforce Development Program are conducting a brief, anonymous survey to better understand evolving workforce needs.
As agriculture adopts new technologies and practices, the industry requires new skills. Your feedback will help develop education, training, and certification programs to support both employers and workers in adapting to these changes.
The survey is designed to unite specialty crop employers, community colleges, and other partners to train for the skills needed today and in the future. The program represents a partnership between Agricultural Council of California, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Farmworker Foundation, Central Valley Community Foundation and Western Growers.
Take the survey to provide your anonymous input on ag workforce needs.
| |
|
Silicon Valley Bank: Direct-to-Consumer Wine Report
Silicon Valley Bank’s annual direct-to-consumer wine survey is now open. This survey is used each year to gather and provide metrics, insights, and trends for the wine industry. All respondents who fully complete the survey will receive gratis survey results, including anonymized detailed responses, summary analysis, and more than 50 charts, which can be used to benchmark performance.
Complete the survey here.
| |
Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
|
Clarksburg Grape Day
This year’s annual Clarksburg Grape Day, hosted by the Clarksburg Winegrape Growers Association, will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at the Jean Harvie Community Center in Walnut Grove, CA. The FREE event includes breakfast and lunch and focuses on providing only the most practical information to help growers make informed decisions in today’s challenging market.
The Clarksburg Winegrape Growers Association has applied for 1 hour of Continuing Education credit with DPR.
Michael Miiller, CAWG's Director of Government Relations, will represent CAWG and make a presentation at the event.
Register here.
| |
|
Spotted Lanternfly Summit
The annual Spotted Lanternfly Summit will include three days of presentations and discussions to learn about Spotted Lanternfly research and management.
- Day 1: Research and treatment
- Day 2: Federal and state action
- Day 3: Industry and extension
When and Where:
- March 11-13, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Zoom
View the full agenda and register.
| |
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:
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
