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This Week's eNews Includes:

CAWG News:

• Caymus & Agtonomy Host Tour
• Gifford Fire Becomes Largest California Wildfire of 2025
• CA vs. Trump: An Update
• Cal/OSHA - Ag Enforcement Task Force & Outreach
• USDA Announces Office Relocations — Public Comments Open Through Aug. 26
• CAWG's July/August Issue of The Crush Newsletter
• Webinar Recording - Harvest Preparedness: Safety Reminders and Updates

Industry News:

• Will Tariffs Help or Hurt CA's Wine Industry
• Rep. Fong’s ‘Modern Agriculture Caucus’ Launches to Support Innovation
• Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness During High Temperatures  
• California Minimum Wage Will Increase to $16.90 For All Businesses on January 1, 2026: What Employers Should Do Now
• West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force's August Newsletter 
• Reservoir Farms to Host Exclusive Preview Event
• Celebrate California Wine Month - Submit Events by Aug. 12
• End of MedFly Quarantine – Alameda and Santa Clara Counties

Upcoming Events:

• UCCE Grape IPM Summer Meeting - Stockton
• Webinar: Hot Topics in Wage & Hour Law for California Employers
• 2025 SOREC Grape Field Day
• Bogle Gives Back - Celebrating California Wine Month!

CAWG News

Caymus & Agtonomy Host Tour

This week, Agtonomy and Caymus Vineyards hosted a tour in Monterey County for the Autonomous Tractor Advisory Committee at Cal/OSHA. The committee is tasked with updating the workplace safety standards to reflect current technology and innovations in autonomous farm equipment. CAWG staff serves on the committee.

The tour was very informative in educating policymakers on the advancements and safety features built into the technology. The committee will be making a recommendation to the Cal/OSHA Board by the end of the year. 

CAWG thanks Agtonomy and Caymus for hosting this important educational tour.  

Gifford Fire Becomes Largest California Wildfire of 2025

The Gifford Fire, burning through eastern San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, has become California’s largest wildfire of 2025, surpassing the Madre Fire. As of Thursday morning, the blaze had scorched 96,106 acres and was 15% contained. Nearly 3,000 personnel are assigned to the fire, which began six days ago. The cause remains under investigation.

According to the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District, smoky conditions are expected to persist through the weekend. The worst air quality is anticipated in eastern parts of the county, as well as southern areas from the Five Cities to Nipomo. Even central areas, including San Luis Obispo, could experience degraded air quality depending on wind patterns.

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers of Wildfire Smoke Protections

As smoke from the Gifford Fire continues to impact air quality, Cal/OSHA is urging employers to take steps to protect outdoor workers under the state’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard.

Employer Requirements Include:

• Monitor AQI for PM2.5 at the start and throughout the workday.
• Adjust work practices when air quality is poor.
• Provide N95 respirators when AQI exceeds 150 (voluntary use).
• Require respirators when AQI exceeds 500.
• Train workers on health risks and proper use of protective equipment.

Employers can monitor AQI through AirNow.gov or local air district websites. They may also use their own PM2.5 monitoring equipment in line with Cal/OSHA regulations.

Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work, including during official evacuations. Retaliation for doing so is illegal under California law.

Additional Resources:

Wildfire Smoke Resources (English/Spanish)

Worker Safety: Wildfire Smoke & Evacuation Zones (PDF)

CA vs. Trump: An Update

Earlier this year, before President Trump was even sworn into office, the California Legislature approved $25 million in funding the Department of Justice (DOJ) to use in litigation against the federal government. That legislation also required a periodic report to the legislature on how that money was being spent. On August 1, Attorney General Rob Bonta provided his first update.

The report shows that between January 20 and July 30, the DOJ filed 36 lawsuits challenging the Trump Administration (1.4 lawsuits per week). The DOJ also filed 47 amicus briefs in support of other lawsuits. Additionally, the DOJ issued 15 regulatory comment letters, in addition to public guidance in response to federal actions.

The bulk of the DOJ’s litigation is still pending and is wide-ranging. But, relative to growers, legal action on the following issues may be the most important to watch: Tariffs, Clean Water Act, research funding, Clean Air Act, FEMA, National Labor Relations Board, immigration, and the Endangered Species Act.  

Cal/OSHA - Ag Enforcement Task Force & Outreach

In beefing up its enforcement actions, Cal/OSHA recently expanded the Agricultural Enforcement Task Force and Outreach Unit. With offices in Bakersfield, Lodi, Salinas, El Centro and San Francisco, the unit focuses primarily on what it views as the most common alleged violations by an agricultural employer.

This unit is also making consultation services available, which may include the following:

• Program review
• Injury and illness review
• On-site inspection
• Employee interviews
• Confidential report
• Corrections for serious items

 

In offering consultation services, Cal/OSHA poses the following considerations:

• Cal/OSHA must be invited to the facility
• Consultants work proactively with employers
• No citations or penalties
• Free consultations
• Information is not shared with Cal/OSHA enforcement staff
• Develop publications
• Answer questions by telephone

Click Here for More Information

USDA Announces Office Relocations — Public Comments Open Through August 26

On July 24, USDA announced a major reorganization, relocating thousands of agency staff from Washington, D.C. to five new regional hubs: Raleigh, NC; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Collins, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT.

Notably, California and the entire West Coast, were excluded from the list. USDA claims the move is intended to bring the agency closer to the producers it serves, but this decision risks distancing critical services from California growers and ag communities.

Last Friday, USDA opened a public comment period, inviting feedback from stakeholders. Comments are due by August 26 and can be submitted by emailing reorganization@usda.gov.

CAWG will submit comments, but we strongly encourage growers, businesses, and local partners to weigh in directly on how this change could impact access to USDA programs in California.

CAWG's July/August Issue of The Crush Newsletter

Yesterday, the July/August issue of The Crush Newsletter was released.

Issue Highlights:

• Feature Article: 2025 Winegrape Harvest Prep & Market Update
• Federal Update: Labor & Immigration: Urgency Grows for Action As Uncertainty Spreads
• State Update: Governor Gerry Mander
• CAWG Board Explores the Clarksburg Wine Region
• New CAWG Member Benefit: Discounted HR Compliance Tools From fpSOLUTIONS
• Pierce's Disease Control Program - Referendum Passes
• West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force News
• Bogle Gives Back - Celebrating CA Wine Month
• CAWG's 51st Annual Meeting Recording
• Immigration Audits and Raids: Resources for Employers and Employees
• 2026 Grape Crop Insurance Coverage Details
• Supplemental Disaster Relief Program
• CSWA's New Climate Action Tool Kit Now Available
• Spotted Lanternfly Threat Escalates
• Associate Member Spotlight: Ternpoint Solutions

Webinar Recording - Harvest Preparedness: Safety Reminders and Updates

As harvest season approaches, it’s essential for winegrape growers to stay up to date on the latest regulations impacting their operations. In this webinar, CAWG's Director of Government Affairs, Michael Miiller, and Bryan Little of Farm Employers Labor Services covered key regulatory updates and timely harvest-related reminders.

Topics included heat illness prevention, nighttime lighting requirements, smoke exposure and worker safety, and autonomous equipment updates.

Watch the recording here.

Industry News

Will Tariffs Help or Hurt CA's Wine Industry

As new 15% tariffs on European wines take effect, CalMatters reported on the California wine industry’s divided response.

CAWG President Natalie Collins noted the challenge for California winemakers competing with heavily subsidized European imports. While the European Union invests more than €1 billion annually into its wine sector, California growers face rising labor, regulatory, and production costs without comparable support.

Richard Samra, a longtime CAWG member and grape grower in the Sacramento Delta and Lodi, said his concern lies in selling grapes to domestic wineries. “It’s amazing that some in the wine industry are asking for no tariffs on the competition,” he said. That competition, he added, receives extensive financial backing—such as the European Commission’s recent $5.6 billion package to support French wine and spirits exports to the U.S.

“U.S. winegrape growers don’t have that,” Samra said.

California has long led the nation in wine exports and tourism. As tariffs and shifting markets converge, growers and stakeholders are urging a more balanced policy approach, one that protects U.S. growers while supporting a strong, diverse wine industry.

Rep. Fong’s ‘Modern Agriculture Caucus’ Launches to Support Innovation

Central Valley Congressman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) has joined a new bipartisan effort to promote innovation and technology in American agriculture. He will serve as vice chair for smart irrigation in the newly launched Modern Agriculture Caucus, a group focused on advancing cutting-edge practices to increase food production, boost efficiency, and strengthen the U.S. agricultural sector.

The caucus is chaired by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), with additional vice chairs including Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA). Rep. Fong’s leadership will center on modernizing water use and promoting sustainable irrigation practices, key issues for California growers facing drought and climate variability.

The Modern Agriculture Caucus aims to support high-tech solutions that improve farm productivity, protect natural resources, and reinforce the U.S.'s role in global food security.

Read more.

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness During High Temperatures  

Cal/OSHA is reminding all employers to protect workers at outdoor and indoor workplaces from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast across California. Temperatures in areas throughout the state are expected to reach 97 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit through Friday (8/8).

Under California’s Heat Illness Prevention Standards, employers are legally required to implement safeguards such as access to water, shade, rest breaks, and training. Businesses with workers in both indoor and outdoor settings may need to comply with both standards.

Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page and the 99calor.org informational website. A Heat Illness Prevention online tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.

View the comparison chart to understand the differences between indoor and outdoor standards.

Read the full advisory here.

Commissioner Ricardo Lara Discusses California’s Insurance Crisis

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara recently spoke with Ag Alert to address the state’s ongoing insurance crisis and its impact on farmers and rural communities.

Lara described the state’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy as the most significant reform in 30 years. Key elements include allowing insurers to use modern catastrophe modeling that rewards wildfire mitigation efforts and accounts for rising reinsurance costs, tools long used in other states.

Under a new agreement, insurers must write at least 85% of new policies in high-risk areas relative to their statewide volume—a move designed to bring competition and reduce costs in wildfire-prone regions.

Lara also acknowledged the challenges facing the FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, which many rural homeowners and farmers have been forced to rely on. He highlighted recent actions to raise the FAIR Plan’s coverage limits to $20 million per structure, helping farm operations and rural businesses meet lender requirements.

Lara emphasized that agricultural lands should be recognized as mitigated spaces. His department is working on new regulations to provide insurance discounts and improve access to coverage for farmers and ranchers.

Read the full interview here.

California Minimum Wage Will Increase to $16.90 For All Businesses on January 1, 2026: What Employers Should Do Now

California’s statewide minimum wage will increase to $16.90 per hour for all employers on January 1, 2026, as part of the state’s annual inflation adjustment process. The Department of Finance certified the applicable Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase last Friday, triggering the wage hike across businesses of all sizes.

Fisher Phillips, a CAWG Associate Member, published an article outlining five key things employers need to know and what steps to take now in response to the upcoming change.

West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force's August Newsletter 

The August issue of the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force's (WCSETF) newsletter is now available.

Updates include: 

•  2025 Smoke Taint Symposium Takeaways
• Research, Support Continues for WCSETF
• Smoke Exposure Research Roadmap, Bulletins
• Learn More About the FIP-SI Endorsement
• WCSETF Website Resource
• Upcoming Events

Read the August Issue here.

Subscribe to future WCSETF News here.

Reservoir Farms to Host Exclusive Preview Event

The Reservoir, a California on-farm incubator for specialty crop innovation, invites agriculture, business, and technology media to an exclusive preview event on August 27, 2025. Hosted on Tanimura & Antle farmland off Highway 68 in Salinas, the event will unveil The Reservoir Farms’ inaugural startup cohort and announce new partnerships advancing robotics and automation in agriculture. Danny Bernstein, Reservoir Farms CEO, spoke to the CAWG Board in March, sharing current projects and how they could integrate with the winegrape industry.

Designed to accelerate solutions to California’s most pressing ag challenges, from labor shortages and rising production costs to water management and climate resilience, The Reservoir brings together growers, entrepreneurs, and research institutions on active farmland to test and scale breakthrough technologies.

Register here to attend the preview celebration.

Celebrate California Wine Month - Submit Events by Aug. 12

September is California Wine Month, a time to celebrate the heritage, innovation, and sustainability behind one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. It’s also the perfect opportunity to highlight your wines, welcome visitors, and showcase the harvest season.

To be included in Discover California Wine's statewide promotions, submit your events, virtual experiences, or special offers by August 12. Submissions will be featured on the Discover California Wines website and included in Wine Institute's official media release.

End of MedFly Quarantine – Alameda and Santa Clara Counties

Effective July 31, 2025, CDFA has removed the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (MedFly) quarantine located in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties - Fremont Area. Maps of any remaining MedFly quarantine boundaries can be found here. For questions regarding the regulations or the map, please email Arlene Sison or call 916.654.0312.

If interested in receiving notifications, please sign up for regulatory updates through the email notification list.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

UCCE Grape IPM Summer Meeting - Stockton

The Grape IPM Summer Meeting will bring together UC Cooperative Extension scientists and farm advisors to share research-based strategies for managing summer pest, disease, and climate stresses in California vineyards. Sessions will highlight integrated approaches to heat and sunburn mitigation, water and canopy management, emerging insect and viral threats, and the use of digital decision-support tools, all aimed at maintaining vine health and fruit quality during the hottest part of the season.

Winegrape growers, PCAs/CCAs, vineyard managers, and other agricultural professionals are encouraged to attend. DPR and CCA continuing education units have been requested.

• August 13, 2025 | 8:15 AM - 12:OO PM | Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center, 2101 E. Earhart Ave #200, Stockton | Register and learn more here.

Webinar: Hot Topics in Wage & Hour Law for California Employers

Join Fisher Phillips LLP for an interactive webinar focused on the unique wage and hour challenges facing financial institutions in California. This session will help employers spot common compensation and policy practices that trigger wage and hour or PAGA claims, understand how wage and hour audits can optimize pay structures and minimize legal exposure, and gain clarity on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its application within California’s regulatory environment.

• August 19, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Zoom - Register here.

2025 SOREC Grape Field Day - Southern Oregon

Join industry professionals for the 2025 Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) Grape Field Day. This year’s program will start with a visit to Jackrabbit Run Vineyard to review vineyard mothballing strategies intended to reduce management costs. Upon returning to SOREC, the program will feature a technology demonstration from Vineyard Robotics and Atlas Vineyard Management that will highlight their AI-powered decision support system. Next, SOREC faculty, staff, and students will provide research project updates. Early bird registration is $20/person through August 1, increasing to $30 until registration closes on August 15. ODA pesticide credits are expected (pending approval). A draft agenda is available here.

• August 19, 2025 | 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, 569 Hanley Rd., Central Point, OR 97502 | Register and learn more here.

Bogle Gives Back - Celebrating California Wine Month!

Every September, California Wine Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and locations that contribute to California's world-class wines. Bogle Family Vineyards is hosting an evening celebration that brings together our community in support of the organizations that strengthen the industry. This month’s Bogle Gives Back event will support the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and the Clarksburg Winery Collective.

A huge thank you to Bogle Family Vineyards for supporting the CAWG Foundation. Since 1998, the Foundation has awarded more than $680,000 in scholarships to help students, many of them first-generation college attendees, pursue higher education. These students often have direct ties to vineyard work, whether through their own experience or through their parents, who help power California’s wine industry. This support, made possible by generous donations from CAWG members and the broader winegrape community, is a meaningful way to give back to the families who make the industry thrive.

• September 5, 2025 | 5:30 PM | Bogle Family Vineyards, Clarksburg | Tickets available online or at the door (as space allows)

CALENDAR

September

5 - Bogle Gives Back Supporting the CAWG Foundation

November

13 - Outgoing CAWG Chair Dinner (San Luis Obispo)

January

27-29 - 2026 Unified Wine and Grape Symposium

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