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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:
- Increased Cal/OSHA Enforcement Activity
- Proposed North Coast Vineyard Order
- Vulnerable Species Pilot Project Program
- Upcoming CAWG Webinars
- Building Resilience to Disruptions from Wildfire Smoke Webinar
- CAWG Member George Donati named San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau's 2023 Agriculturalist of the Year
- In the News: Smoke Experts and Health Authorities Critical of Prescribed Burn in Sonoma
Industry News:
- Update on the Clear Lake Hitch Emergency: August 2 Board Meeting
- CalCompletes Tax Credit and Grants Applications Now Open
- In the News: Budget deficits could plague California for years. When will Capitol Leaders take it seriously?
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In the News: Water Wasted | What is California doing to help increase groundwater storage?
- In the News: Bracing for the blaze: The wine industry prepares to battle smoke taint
- UDSA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program Webinar Recording Available
- CSWA's Vineyard Sustainable Water Management Tool
- Cal/OSHA Safe + Sound Week 2023
- Turrentine Brokerage's July Newsletter
Upcoming Events
- Train the Trainer: Forklift Safety Workshop
- UC Davis Powdery Mildew Field Day
- Lodi Grower Meeting - Harvest Challenges
- Acres U.S.A. Healthy Soils Summit
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Increased Cal/OSHA Enforcement Activity
CAWG staff serves on an advisory committee to Cal/OSHA. The committee includes representatives from several industries, labor unions, and workplace safety experts. At today’s advisory committee meeting, Cal/OSHA officials announced increased enforcement efforts - with a heavy focus on Central California agricultural employers.
When looking at where ag workers are employed, 14% are in Northern California, 16% in Southern California, with 70% in Central California. Consequently, Cal/OSHA is increasing its efforts in the Central Valley and has opened a new regional office in Fresno.
Additionally, Cal/OSHA officials announced they are beefing up the enforcement staff all over the Golden State. It is important to note that increased enforcement activity is often driven by complaints filed by outside organizations and, in many cases does not reflect the actual level of safety in the workplace.
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Proposed North Coast Vineyard Order
The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is proposing a “Program for Discharges of Waste Associated with Vineyards.” The vineyard order would place stringent monitoring and reporting requirements for California coastal winegrape growers north of Rohnert Park. While other regional boards have adopted orders that apply to any irrigated crop and consider variables relative to how discharged water may flow, this proposed order is only focused on one commodity, winegrapes, and applies to all vineyards regardless of slope.
CAWG is working with our wine and agricultural partners in asking the Board to reject the current proposal and instead pursue a more direct and low-cost order that would accomplish the same policy goals of the current proposal. For example, the current proposal would require soil testing of nitrogen in vineyards regardless of how little nitrates may have been used in the vineyard. Additionally, the proposed order would require edge-of-vineyard monitoring of sediment, even when there is no risk (flat ground).
While compliance with the requirements in the above two examples is incredibly costly, there is no measurable benefit to the environment or to water quality. That is why we believe an alternative approach must be considered. There is a simpler way of achieving the benefits the Board seeks without creating costly and needless monitoring and reporting requirements.
North Coast growers are encouraged to participate in a public workshop for the proposed order on August 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board’s Hearing Room, 5550 Skylane Blvd, Suite A, in Santa Rosa. This meeting is scheduled to occur with both a physical meeting location and an option for remote participation via video and teleconference. Live video and audio broadcasts of the public workshop can be accessed at the CalEPA Public meeting live webcasts webpage (https://video.calepa.ca.gov). The public workshop will be recorded.
Comments are due by August 14, 2023.
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Vulnerable Species Pilot Project Program
Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched its Vulnerable Species Pilot, aiming to identify at-risk species that may be negatively impacted by non-residential outdoor pesticide use. As part of this pilot, the EPA proposed mitigation measures for reducing those impacts to the species and their habitat. On June 22, 2023, EPA published a draft white paper identifying its initial set of 27 federally listed species. EPA’s initial proposed mitigation measures include pesticide use limitation areas (PULAs), spray drift minimization, runoff and erosion minimization, timing restrictions, general avoidance, and a plan to expand the pilot to other species in the future.
EPA shared the following example: EPA may implement specific restrictions to protect the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly from all insecticides used within or near the species range. This effort is intended to ensure that EPA begins to adopt meaningful protections for species likely to be affected by pesticide use by incorporating mitigations into applicable registration and registration review decisions, even if consultation with the FWS and NMFS has not been completed or even begun.
EPA is seeking public comments on draft mitigation measures proposed for the first set of species in the Vulnerable Species Pilot and how EPA envisions applying those measures to certain applicable pesticide actions. CAWG’s Federal Issues Committee is working to draft comments for submittal by the August 6 deadline.
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Upcoming CAWG Webinars
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August 2 at 10 am - Harvest Preparedness Webinar: Safety Reminders and Updates: As the harvest season approaches, it is crucial for winegrape growers to stay informed about the latest regulations that directly impact their operations. Join CAWG's Director of Government Affairs, Michael Miiller on for an informative webinar for timely updates and reminders on regulations surrounding harvest. Topics will include heat illness prevention, nighttime lighting requirements, smoke exposure and worker safety, autonomous equipment updates, and more.
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August 9 at 10 am - Streamline Disease Scouting with Aeriel Imagery Webinar: Join CAWG and VineView to discover the power of streamlining disease scouting through aerial imagery and data insights. VineView’s RedLeaf Scouting maps identify indications of redness within the vine canopy, providing vineyard managers with critical data to direct their scouting efforts efficiently. This webinar will include how disease scouting is optimized with VineView’s RedLeaf Maps, a detailed use case from a client, showcasing the problem, solution & result, and a live demonstration.
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Building Resilience to Disruptions from Wildfire Smoke Webinar
The Federal Reserve Bank of San Franciso is hosting a webinar on August 8 to explore how the increasing incidence of wildfire smoke across the western United States has caused disruption to the economy and impacted communities, particularly those that already face greater economic barriers.
The webinar will feature a panel discussion about potential opportunities to build resilience against hazards like wildfire smoke. CAWG President Natalie Collins will be included on the panel to talk about the economic impacts that wildfires and smoke taint have had on the wine industry.
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CAWG Member George Donati named San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau's 2023 Agriculturalist of the Year
Last week, at the California Mid-State Fair Cattlemen and Farmer’s Day, CAWG member George Donati was awarded the prestigious honor of San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau's 2023 Agriculturlist of Year for his contributions to the agriculture industry. Donati has a 50-year career in agriculture working for Pacific Vineyard Company. In 2019 Donati became owner and general manager of the company, which is now Pacific Coast Farming.
As published in the Paso Robles Press, "To Donati, agriculture will always be important because “It’s the way of life and being here in San Luis Obispo County; I grew up in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County and its great. A lot of great people here. You get to know them and see them all the time, especially here at the fair.”
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In the News: Smoke Experts and Health Authorities Critical of Prescribed Burn in Sonoma
Last week, a prescribed burn near the Sonoma Raceway was conducted to treat 92 acres of oak woodland and savannahs with the purpose of reducing fuel loads and mitigating the spread of invasive grasses. However, visible smoke clouds were seen throughout the valley and the resulting smoke can have significant implications for nearby growers.
Wine Business recently reported on the prescribed burn and the effects that it could have on winegrapes. Michael Miiller, CAWG's Director of Government Relations was quoted in the article.
“CAWG will be issuing timely reminders to Fire Districts and the public, underscoring the potential impact of wildfire smoke on wine grapes, especially considering the imminent harvest season. CAWG aims to strike a balance between wildfire management and safeguarding the interests of the wine grape industry and the local communities.”
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Update on the Clear Lake Hitch Emergency: August 2 Board Meeting
The State Water Board will discuss the Clear Lake hitch as an information item at its meeting on August 2nd at 9:30 am. The meeting will include an update from Board staff on activities and next steps in the watershed.
The meeting will be broadcasted via zoom and open to the public for in-person attendance in the Sierra Hearing Room at CalEPA Headquarters.
For additional information, including how to participate in the meeting, please see the August 2 State Water Board meeting agenda. Check the Clear Lake Hitch website for updates.
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CalCompletes Tax Credit and Grants Applications Now Open
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit and California Competes Grant Program. This year, $164 million in tax credits and $120 million in grants are available for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California. The deadline to submit applications is August 14, 2024.
Free Webinars are available for businesses to learn more:
CAWG has compiled these links for additional information:
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In the News: Budget deficits could plague California for years. When will Capitol Leaders take it seriously?
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the $310.8 billion 2023-2024 state budget in June. In an article published by Cal Matters, Governor Newsom had creative solutions to bridge a $31.7 billion general fund deficit, however, his budget solutions could lead to a string of deficits well into the future.
"However, a closer examination of its “solutions” reveals that scarcely a quarter – $8.1 billion – is actual reduction in spending. The remaining $23.6 billion are various accounting maneuvers often used to cover shortfalls, such as shifting expenditures from the general fund to other funds ($9.3 billion), delaying some spending to future years ($7.9 billion), and borrowing money that must be repaid later."
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In the News: Water Wasted | What is California doing to help increase groundwater storage?
This year California experienced record amounts of rain - where is all of that water going? The weather team at ABC10 in Sacramento explores what California is doing to help increase the state's groundwater storage.
"We're going to be expecting more intense droughts, more intense floods and a quicker transition from one to the next," said Steven Springhorn, Department of Water Resources. "So this managed groundwater recharge is really important."
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In the News: Bracing for the blaze: The wine industry prepares to battle smoke taint
Wildfires and smoke taint are one of the biggest challenges that winegrape growers and winemakers face in California. Napa Valley Features published an article this morning about California wildfires, the detrimental effects they have on the California wine industry, and an update on smoke taint research.
"The trajectory of climate change suggests that the challenges posed by wildfires and the ensuing smoke taint are unlikely to diminish soon. Nevertheless, the wine industry's resilience is apparent as it invests millions of dollars and countless research hours annually into the development of new prediction, evaluation and mitigation methods."
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UDSA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program Webinar Recording Available
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and CDFA co-hosted a webinar for CA Agricultural Employers last week on the UDSA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program. This provided an opportunity to learn more about the program and how it works in California to assist farm and food workers. Speakers included USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt; and Melissa Bailey and Betsy Rakola, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
The recording for the webinar is now available. Passcode: 3!cikj^$
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CSWA's Vineyard Sustainable Water Management Tool
Looking for a way to save both water and money? The Vineyard Sustainable Water Management Tool developed by CSWA is designed to help you create an effective strategy. This tool can be used to establish a baseline for tracking decisions over time to better understand the economic impact of different water management decisions and includes sections on: vineyard layout, irrigation scheduling, monitoring (water quality, irrigation system, moisture), and other water uses (e.g., frost protection, dust control, cover crops, and summer cooling).
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Cal/OSHA Safe + Sound Week 2023
Safe + Sound Week is an annual nationwide event to promote the success of health and safety programs in the workplace. This year's Safe +Sound Week will be held August 7-13. Safe + Sound Week will provide resources for businesses on mental health and well-being. These materials will be posted on the Safe + Sound Week website along with more information an details on pledging your participation.
Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help get your safety program started or provide a chance to recognize your safety successes.
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Turrentine Brokerage's July Newsletter
Earlier this week, Turrentine Brokerage released its July newsletter where they shared their market update. The report includes an in-depth analysis of the bulk wine and grape markets for key varieties and regions including in-demand varieties, price reductions, and an overview of the impact of weather patterns on the 2023 harvest season.
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Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
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Train the Trainer: Forklift Safety Workshop (Spanish)
In this 4-hour course hosted by Napa Valley Grapegrowers, you will learn about Cal/OSHA requirements, how they affect your company, and how to comply with Cal/OSHA standards. By the end of the day, you'll have the training materials, tools, and knowledge to establish an effective "in-house" forklift operator training program.
When and Where:
- July 28, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, Napa Valley College
Register
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UC Davis Powdery Mildew Field Day
Learn how to prevent and control powdery mildew with synthetic, biological, and organic fungicides from field trial results that will be presented from UC Cooperative Extension Specialist, Akif Eskalen.
When and Where:
- July 31, 8:00-11:00 am, Armstrong Field Station, UC Davis
Register
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Lodi Grower Meeting - Harvest Challenges
Join CAWG and the Lodi District Grape Growers Association (LDGGA) for an informative morning session designed to enhance your preparedness for the upcoming harvest season and the potential challenges a late harvest poses. A range of essential topics will be covered, including understanding winegrape contract language, implementing best practices for effective communication and documentation with winery buyers, crop insurance reminders and considerations, and what to do if your grapes are exposed to wildfire smoke.
When and Where:
- August 4, 9:00 am, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Burgundy Hall
RSVP to Julia
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Acres U.S.A. Healthy Soils Summit
This annual event held in Seaside is essential for ranchers, growers, and farmers looking to improve their soil health management systems. An optional half-day farm tour to Paicines Ranch and Pinnacle Organically Grown Produce is included.
When and Where:
Register
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