CAWG eNews: President Trump Announces “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on Trade, 2024 Prelim Grape Crush Report, and More...

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February 13, 2025

YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS

FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY

IN THIS eNEWS

This Week's eNews Includes:

CAWG News:

President Trump Announces “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on Trade
2024 Preliminary Grape Crush Report Released
SCFBA Calls on Congress for a Bipartisan Farm Bill Supporting Specialty Crops
Immigration Legislation
FAIR Plan Seeks Relief
CAWG Webinar Recording: Preparing for Potential Immigration Audits and Raids
February Issue of American Vineyard Magazine

Industry News:

Brooke Rollins Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Pierce's Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board Celebrates 25 Years
Specialty Crop Employers—Your Input is Needed!
Santa Barbara County Approves Wine Business Improvement District
Changes to Excavation Laws: Senate Bill 778 Update
Antonio Guzman Honored as Sonoma County’s Vineyard Employee of the Year
COME TOGETHER a Community for Wine Inc. Launches ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Campaign
State and Regional Wine Associations: Their Role in Supporting The Wine Industry
Ciatti California Report, February 2025

Upcoming Events:

Webinar: Advancing Vineyard Health
Exploring Different Aspects of Vine Health Seminar
Regenerative Viticulture Immersion Event

CAWG News

President Trump Announces “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on Trade

Today, President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the creation of the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan,” aimed at addressing longstanding imbalances in international trade. This initiative seeks to ensure fairness in global trade relationships by countering non-reciprocal trading practices that have put American industries at a disadvantage.

In a tweet posted on X, President Trump stated: “On Trade, I have decided, for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff—meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them—no more, no less!” He further stated, “….we will consider countries that use the VAT system, which is far more punitive than a tariff, to be similar to that of a tariff.” Additionally, he mentioned that provisions will be made for subsidies provided by countries in order to take economic advantage of the United States.

Key highlights of the plan:

Eliminating Unfair Trade Practices – Addressing tariff disparities that disadvantage U.S. exports.
Agricultural Trade Deficit – Tackling the $40 billion gap caused by foreign tariffs and barriers.
Tariff Reforms – Targeting disproportionate tariffs from countries like India, Brazil, and the EU.
Protecting U.S. Businesses – Reducing the $2 billion burden of foreign-imposed digital service taxes.
Stronger Trade Enforcement – Using tariffs and agreements to level the playing field.

CAWG's team in D.C. is actively monitoring developments and will provide updates as they become available.

White House Fact Sheet

2024 Preliminary Grape Crush Report Released

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, released the 2024 Preliminary Grape Crush Report on February 10. The report shows that California’s winegrape crush totaled 2.84 million tons—down 22.8% from 2023 and marking the smallest crush in 20 years. This figure is lower than industry estimates, reflecting not only a lighter crop but also reduced harvested acreage, with estimates of unharvested fruit ranging from 300,000–400,000 tons—or possibly even more.

While the smaller crop may help address oversupply concerns, growers continue to face challenges with pricing and market uncertainty. As the industry works toward balance, one thing is clear: selling more California wine must be a priority. Promoting local wines, strengthening market access, and cleaning up regulatory and tax loopholes will be essential in supporting growers and navigating the road ahead.

Please review the Preliminary Crush Report for your region. If there are any errors found, please notify USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service by March 1, 2025. A final Grape Crush Report will be released on March 10.

Industry Articles on Grape Crush Report:

SCFBA Calls on Congress for a Bipartisan Farm Bill Supporting Specialty Crops

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), of which CAWG is an active member, is urging Congress to advance a bipartisan farm bill that prioritizes investments in specialty crops to ensure the long-term viability of growers.

During a House Agriculture Committee hearing this week, which focused on the economic crisis in farm country, Ryan Talley of Talley Farms (CA) testified on behalf of SCFBA, emphasizing the need for workforce solutions, modernized safety nets, and increased funding for research and market access. He noted that specialty crops account for nearly half of U.S. farm gate value yet receive only a fraction of farm bill resources.

Talley highlighted key challenges, including rising input costs, limited access to crop protection tools, market disruptions, and natural disasters. He stressed the need for reforms to crop insurance, improved federal procurement programs, and expanded support for trade and block grant initiatives.

SCFBA is a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products. In early 2023, the alliance released a set of key policy priorities as part of its Farm Bill recommendations. The Alliance is in the process of updating these recommendations for the new Congress.

Immigration Legislation

In preparing for and responding to increased federal immigration enforcement actions, the legislature will be considering several bills to loosen or tighten state law.

For example, last week Assemblymember José Solache Jr. (D-Lynwood) introduced legislation to restrict local law enforcement from helping immigration authorities near medical offices, places of worship, and daycare centers. Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) also proposed legislation in December that would prevent the sharing of information about teachers, students, and their families for proposed or ongoing immigration enforcement actions.

Going in the other direction, Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Corona) is proposing legislation that would require state and local law enforcement to cooperate with immigration officials, including providing information about a person’s release date from jail if they have been convicted of a felony.

In the coming months, immigration legislation will work through the legislature as lawmakers attempt to develop public policies in state law that deal with this largely federal issue.

FAIR Plan Seeks Relief

As predicted, recent claims against the FAIR Plan are turning out to be greater than the amount the FAIR Plan can pay from existing resources. This led to an announcement this week from Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara that the FAIR Plan was approved to seek $1 billion from insurance companies. Up to 50% of that reimbursement will likely be passed on to policyholders around the state. Keep in mind that this $1 billion is likely just the beginning of FAIR Plan’s need to seek funding from insurance companies.

Over the last few years, lawmakers largely ignored insurance companies that warned that California needs the ability to calculate insurance risks based on the potential for catastrophes. Such catastrophes are becoming more likely, and the associated actuarial risks are growing exponentially. This is the primary reason why insurance companies are leaving California and FAIR Plan has become the only property insurance available for many property owners.

In other news, NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office commented this week on a report that the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth just a few days before Christmas 2032 are increasing. The asteroid, YR4, is currently rated as a 3 on the 0-to-10 Torino scale, which measures asteroid collisions' potential hazards.

Bruce Willis has not yet volunteered for a mission to save the planet.

CAWG Webinar Recording: Preparing for Potential Immigration Audits and Raids

Earlier today, CAWG and Fisher Phillips LLP hosted a webinar focused on navigating immigration raids and audits. This timely presentation provided critical insights and actionable strategies for managing labor compliance and safeguarding your operation and workforce.

Key Topics from the webinar include:

Best Practices for I-9 Compliance: Learn effective strategies to ensure your business is meeting federal requirements and avoiding costly penalties.
Conducting Periodic Internal Audits: Understand the importance of regular I-9 audits and how to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your workforce documentation.
Labor & Employment Issues During Audits: Gain insights into employment discrimination and wage/hour issues that could arise during ICE audits or investigations.

Watch the recording here.

February Issue of American Vineyard Magazine

The February issue of the American Vineyard Magazine is now available featuring CAWG's monthly column, CAWG @ Work.

Each month, CAWG contributes to the magazine, discussing relevant industry trends. This month's column focuses on defining regenerative agriculture and what it means for California's farmers and ranchers.

To learn more, read CAWG's February column online. Hint - it's on page 14.

Industry News

Brooke Rollins Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins as the next Secretary of Agriculture in a 72-28 vote. Rollins, a Texas native and lawyer, was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees $213 billion in funding for farm programs, conservation, food safety, and nutrition assistance.

Rollins, previously the CEO of the America First Policy Institute, also served in the first Trump administration. She was unanimously approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee with support from major agricultural organizations.

During her confirmation hearing, senators raised concerns about family farm declines, rural economic challenges, disaster aid efficiency, and nutrition program funding. Rollins pledged to prioritize farm disaster relief, the farm bill, and enforcing fair competition laws under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

She succeeds Tom Vilsack, who served as USDA Secretary under Presidents Biden and Obama. CAWG will monitor USDA policy developments under Rollins’ leadership and provide updates on key issues affecting growers.

Pierce's Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board Celebrates 25 Years

For 25 years, the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board has driven research to combat grapevine pests and diseases. Established as a grower-led, grower-funded partnership with government support, the Board ensures industry dollars are invested in effective management strategies and long-term solutions.

Watch the video below to learn more about their accomplishments.

Quote of the Week

“Thanks to the ongoing support of California’s winegrape growers, the PD/GWSS Board has accelerated focused, groundbreaking research to advance knowledge, improve management practices and rapidly respond to emerging threats,” said Karen Ross, California Secretary of Agriculture. “Growers’ commitment allows us to sustain powerful partnerships with local, state and federal agencies and other industries, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the winegrape industry.”

Specialty Crop Employers—Your Input is Needed!

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.

Santa Barbara County Approves Wine Business Improvement District

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved the creation of a Wine Business Improvement District (Wine BID), implementing a 1% sales tax on wine sold directly to consumers at tasting rooms. Set to begin April 1, the tax is expected to generate $1.5 million annually for five years to fund marketing efforts supporting the local wine industry.

The initiative received broad support from several city councils, with Lompoc recently opting in after initial hesitation. Funds collected will be managed by the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association to enhance promotional efforts and solidify the region’s reputation as a top wine destination.

Read more here.

Changes to Excavation Laws: Senate Bill 778 Update

Shared from the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety Underground Safety Board

The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) Underground Safety Board encourages you to learn about Senate Bill 778 (Ochoa Bogh), which contains new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2025. To learn more, read our information bulletin highlighting the new amendments,

The information bulletin covers key changes to the law such as:

Ticket procedures: Operator Response, Legal Start Time, and Ticket Expiration
Requirements for Vacuum Excavation Device Use
Requirement for Operator to Respond to Excavator Requests for Information
Damage Protocols: 911, Operator, and 811 Center Notifications
Definitions of “Approximate Location” and “Inaccurate Field Marks”

Read the SB 778 bulletin

Antonio Guzman Honored as Sonoma County’s Vineyard Employee of the Year

Antonio Guzman, a dedicated vineyard worker at Robert Young Vineyards for 40 years, has been named Sonoma County’s Vineyard Employee of the Year. Guzman was recognized alongside 48 other vineyard employees at the seventh annual Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos Employee Recognition Celebration, honoring exceptional contributions to the winegrape industry.

Guzman and his two brothers, Jose and Miguel, have worked at Robert Young Vineyards since the 1980s, forming a lasting bond with the Young family. He currently leads irrigation and sprinkler system upgrades for replanting efforts.

The Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos, Sonoma County’s only nonprofit dedicated to supporting vineyard employees and their families, hosts the annual recognition program. Congressman Mike Thompson attended the event, commending the honorees and presenting certificates of recognition. The foundation continues to support vineyard employees through education, leadership programs, and its Vineyard Employee Resiliency Fund, which has provided over $2 million in assistance since 2017.

COME TOGETHER a Community for Wine Inc. Launches ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Campaign

Following the success of the Come Over October campaign, which reached 1.7 billion media impressions, COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine Inc. is launching Share & Pair Sundays, a spring-to-summer campaign celebrating wine and food pairings. Running from March 23 to May 25, the initiative encourages weekly gatherings that highlight wine’s role in fostering connections.

The campaign will feature:

Retail promotions and curated pairings
Restaurant and hotel wine dinner specials
Winery-hosted tastings
Digital content and social media engagement with celebrity chefs and influencers

A key focus is expanding wine’s appeal by incorporating diverse cultural cuisines and engaging Hispanic, Asian, and Black communities. CAWG members including J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines and Jackson Family Wines, are participating in COME TOGETHER.

For more details or to get involved, visit www.ShareandPairSundays.com.

State and Regional Wine Associations: Their Role in Supporting The Wine Industry

As the wine industry navigates evolving consumer trends, climate challenges, and regulatory shifts, regional and state wine associations play a crucial role in advocacy, marketing, and education. At the recent Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, panelists including CAWG Director Joel Peterson from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Honore Comfort from Wine Institute, and Kristina Kelley from the Washington State Wine Commission highlighted how these organizations provide essential support to wineries and growers.

Key takeaways from the discussion:

Advocacy & Policy – Associations unite members to influence legislation and regulatory decisions at the state, federal, and international levels.
Marketing & Promotion – Coordinated marketing campaigns, trade events, and media outreach elevate regional wine brands.
Research & Education – Investments in viticulture research, economic studies, and industry training help members stay competitive.
Crisis Coordination – Associations provide a unified voice and resources during industry-wide challenges such as wildfires, drought, and economic downturns.