CAWG eNews: PD/GWSS Referendum Extended, The Winegrape Update, and More

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May 8, 2025

YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS

FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY

IN THIS eNEWS

This Week's eNews Includes:

CAWG News:

PD/GWSS Grower Referendum Extended
The Winegrape Update · May 14 at 10:00 am
California: A Microcosm of America?
Submission of Collective Bargaining Agreements
Unions Oppose an Increase in Take-Home Pay for Ag Workers
Farm Workforce Modernization Act Reintroduced in Congress
The Plight of California's Grape Growers
2025 Food & Ag Issues Summit

Industry News:

2024 California Grape Acreage Report - Now Available
Bankruptcies Show Stress in Farm Economy
Businesses Struggle to Navigate as Trump’s Tariff Fallout Hits West Coast Ports
Secretary Rollins Hosts Roundtable, Announces Expedited Disaster Aid
Thousands of USDA Employees Resign
Trade Commission Greenlights New Duties on 2, 4-D from China and India
Secretary Rollins Announces New State Directors for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development
Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University Appoints Dr. Damien Wilson as Faculty Director
National Geographic Shines a Light on California Wine Regions

Upcoming Events:

Anita Oberholster's Celebration of Life
Webinar: What California Employers Need to Know in Navigating Cal-OSHA's Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Regulations
ASEV National Conference - Monterey

CAWG News

PD/GWSS Grower Referendum Extended

The voting period for California winegrape growers to decide on the renewal of the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Assessment has been extended to June 12, allowing more time for growers to participate in the process.

As of May 7, 21% of ballots have been returned . At least 40% of ballots must be returned for approval of the Pierce's Disease Control Program. CDFA will mail updated ballots next week reflecting the extended deadline. Either the original ballot, or the new ballot you will receive next week, can be returned.

We urge you to vote YES and return your ballot(s) by June 12 to keep this essential program in place.

Learn more here.

The Winegrape Update · May 14 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.

May’s forum will focus on the current state of the winegrape industry. Jeff Bitter, President of Allied Grape Growers, will share timely insights on trends and market conditions, providing a clear look at the challenges and opportunities shaping California’s winegrape sector.

Beyond keeping members well-informed, this forum serves as a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities. Please bring your questions and ideas!

California: A Microcosm of America?

This week, the Newsom campaign sent an email discussing how California isn’t as bad as the right-wing media claims it is. Newsom made a special mention of agriculture in his email.

“The right likes to talk up Texas as some beacon of what America’s economy should be. Ridiculous. California is the largest manufacturing (and agricultural) state in the country. . . . We have more jobs in forestry, agriculture, and fishing. In so many ways, California is a microcosm of the United States. America... but more.”

Missing from Newsom’s e-mail about California’s agricultural success is the reason for that success. Agriculture (including the wine industry) is successful in California due to the resiliency, fortitude, and creativity of hard-working Californians in the industry. And there is no question that while our industry is large, it is shrinking daily in part due to the regulatory challenges and high cost of doing business that are unique to California.

That said, imagine how much more we could be doing in agriculture if, for example, California allowed the use of autonomous agricultural equipment as it is allowed to be used everywhere else on the planet. Imagine also if, for example, California were like Massachusetts, Oregon, and New York, where Democratic leaders led the charge to create a tax credit to help growers pay overtime wages to ag employees.

These are just two examples of dozens of clear opportunities for policymakers in Sacramento to partner with the industry to truly help the Golden State shine. If California had public policies in place that have been proven to work effectively in other states, one might then see California as a microcosm of the nation.

Submission of Collective Bargaining Agreements

This week, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board sent an e-mail reminder of obligations under the Agricultural Labor Relations Act.

The ALRB’s email stated, “All certified labor organizations and agricultural employers are required to submit to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board a copy of the full text of any collective bargaining agreement where the effective date of the agreement is on or after May 7, 2003. I would greatly appreciate it if you could submit any applicable agreements by May 30, 2025." Questions can be submitted to Satyadarshini Mathan at (916) 894-6826 or satyadarshini.mathan@alrb.ca.gov.

NOTE: The ALRB’s email also stated that this requirement facilitates the calculation of bargaining make-whole awards and supports the administration of the Mandatory Mediation and Conciliation process.

Unions Oppose an Increase in Take-Home Pay for Ag Workers

This week, CAWG published a Substack article examining SB 628 (Grove), a bill that aimed to support farmworkers by offering a tax credit to agricultural employers for overtime wages.

SB 628, co-sponsored by CAWG, was designed to ease the financial burden on ag employers while increasing take-home pay for farmworkers. Despite its intent to support farmworkers, the bill failed to pass its first hearing in the Senate, largely due to opposition from labor unions.

The article takes a closer look at the political dynamics that led to the bill’s defeat and the broader consequences of deepening divisions in Sacramento.

Read the full article and subscribe to CAWG's Substack page here.

Farm Workforce Modernization Act Reintroduced in Congress

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jim Costa (D-CA), and David Valadao (R-CA), has reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2025 (H.R. 3227). The bill seeks to address persistent agricultural labor challenges by modernizing the H-2A guestworker program and establishing a process for certain farmworkers to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment.

Previously passed in the House with bipartisan support, the legislation reflects ongoing efforts to provide a practical solution to labor shortages in agriculture. It was developed with input from growers, labor groups, and industry stakeholders.

“The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would do so, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply.”

CAWG continues to monitor immigration-related proposals that affect winegrape growers and advocates for policy solutions that support workforce stability and long-term sustainability for California agriculture.

Press Release

Two-page summary

The Plight of California's Grape Growers

California winegrape growers continue to face mounting challenges, from declining demand and lower prices to increased foreign competition and unfavorable federal policies. According to an article published this week by SevenFiftyDaily, bearing acreage has dropped sharply—from 590,000 acres in 2019 to just under 446,000 today—with an estimated 300,000 tons of grapes left unharvested in 2024.

CAWG President Natalie Collins, along with CAWG members Craig Ledbetter (Vino Farms), Jeff Bitter (Allied Grape Growers), and Stuart Spencer (Lodi Winegrape Commission), are featured in the article highlighting how tax loopholes, import incentives, and duty drawback programs are distorting the market and undercutting California growers. At the same time, large producers are blending imported wines into American-labeled products, further reducing demand for locally grown fruit. In response, some growers—like Vino Farms—are shifting toward certified organic and regenerative farming to access premium markets and improve returns.

CAWG continues to push for key policy changes, including eliminating substitution drawbacks for alcohol and tightening labeling standards, while also advocating for trade policies rooted in reciprocity, fairness, and long-term support for the California winegrape sector in global markets.

2025 Food & Ag Issues Summit

The 2025 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit will take place on June 10 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento, offering a full day of speeches and panel discussions, with in-person and virtual attendance options. As California grapples with the loss of millions of acres of farmland, ongoing water and labor challenges, and new tariff policies under the Trump administration, the state’s food and agriculture sectors are facing unprecedented disruption. The summit will explore how California lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders are addressing these critical issues.

CAWG President Natalie Collins will speak on a panel titled, "Perspectives from the C-Suite: Navigating Through Uncertain Times." The full agenda can be found here.

Early bird rates available through May 10.

Industry News

2024 California Grape Acreage Report - Now Available

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, has released its annual grape acreage report. This long-running, industry-funded survey tracks new plantings and removals statewide.

The 2024 report estimates total wine-type grape acreage at 590,000 acres, 550,000 bearing, and 40,000 nonbearing. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay remain the state’s leading winegrape varieties.

The full summary report is available here.

Bankruptcies Show Stress in Farm Economy

After four years of decline, U.S. farm bankruptcies are on the rise again—up 55% in 2024, with 216 Chapter 12 filings. California led the nation with 17 cases. Driving the increase are rising input costs, lower commodity prices (especially for winegrapes and almonds), and higher interest rates.

Experts say these financial pressures have been mounting for years, and more bankruptcies are likely as the effects of tariffs and groundwater regulations deepen. Some growers are choosing to sell off assets and leave the industry entirely rather than continue under growing financial strain.

American Farm Bureau Federation economist Samantha Ayoub noted that California and other states with specialty crops, like Michigan, may be more vulnerable due to high labor costs and foreign competition. Others point out that high-value crops typically come with higher production costs, compounding financial risk.

Quote of the Week

"That’s why SB 628 matters. It would provide relief to growers who want to retain their workforce without cutting hours, even as they are squeezed by global competition and rising costs. Just as the film industry seeks help to keep jobs in California, so too do the people who grow the food and wine that define our state."

Read more in CAWG's latest Substack article, Unions Oppose an Increase in Take-Home Pay for Ag Workers.

Businesses Struggle to Navigate as Trump’s Tariff Fallout Hits West Coast Ports

California businesses are bracing for economic fallout as President Trump’s new 145% tariff on Chinese goods disrupts supply chains and port activity. Politico reports that canceled shipments and rising costs are already triggering layoffs across sectors. Port of LA officials expect a 35% drop in container traffic, while climate and EV industries face steep battery price hikes.

Confusion over trade policy is adding to the strain, with little federal communication reaching local leaders. California wine is also feeling the impact, with retaliatory tariffs hurting exports to key markets like Canada. CAWG president Natalie Collins tried to bring a differing perspective to the table regarding tariffs stating, “There could be a real opportunity for us to essentially level the playing field.”

Secretary Rollins Hosts Roundtable, Announces Expedited Disaster Aid

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins hosted the inaugural Farmers First roundtable in Washington, D.C., bringing together state ag leaders and small, independent farmers to discuss strengthening family farm viability. Secretary Rollins announced $21 billion in expedited disaster aid for farms impacted by drought and wildfires, with livestock payments expected by the end of May.

The move follows USDA’s rapid rollout of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, which delivered $7.3 billion to nearly 490,000 producers. A new USDA landing page will track the status of disaster aid distribution.

Thousands of USDA Employees Resign

At least 15,000 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees have resigned as a part of the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program (DRP). Roughly 800 USDA employees signed up for the program during the first DRP in January, while the recent program push received 11,305 resignations. The program allows employees to quit and be paid through September of 2025, which has helped the Administration cut USDA’s workforce down by 15%.

Of these resignations, 555 are employees at the Food Safety and Inspection Service, over 1,000 from Farm Service Agency county offices, 4,000 employees from the U.S. Forest Service, 1,300 from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1,255 employees at the Agricultural Research Service, 78 employees from the Economic Research Service, 54 employees from the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, and 243 employees from the National Agricultural Statistics Service will resign. This is part of a larger initiative by the Trump Administration that aims to elimination 30,000 jobs within the agency.

Trade Commission Greenlights New Duties on 2, 4-D from China and India

The International Trade Commission announced on April 29 that they plan to uphold new tariffs on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a widely used herbicide for broadleaf plants, imported from China and India. Indian products will face countervailing duties of between 5.29% and 6.32% and antidumping duties as high as 20%. Further, one Chinese company in particular will face duties of over 120% for antidumping, while other companies all will face countervailing duties of between 26.50% and 169.63%.

Corteva Agriscience, the only U.S. 2,4-D manufacturer, initiated the investigation to inquire on if the countries’ exporters were taking advantage of government subsidies and then selling their produce below fair market price. Currently, many U.S. farmers have raised concerns that the U.S. currently can't meet the demand for 2,4-D, and tariffs on India and China could force them to pay an increased price.

Secretary Rollins Announces New State Directors for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced new presidential appointments to key USDA leadership roles, including two from California.

Bryan Anguiano has been named State Director for California Rural Development. He previously served as California State Director for the Republican National Committee and President Trump’s campaign, overseeing operations through multiple election cycles.
Connie Conway returns as State Executive Director of the California Farm Service Agency, a role she also held during Trump’s first term. Most recently, Conway chaired the World Ag Expo, the world’s largest annual outdoor agricultural show.

FSA State Directors help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country.

Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University Appoints Dr. Damien Wilson as Faculty Director

The Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University (SSU) has appointed Dr. Damien Wilson as its new Faculty Director. Wilson, a professor of Wine Business at SSU for the past decade, also serves as the inaugural Hamel Family Chair of Wine Business Education.

Wilson will officially begin his new role on July 1, 2025. He joined SSU in 2015, bringing with him 20 years of global wine industry experience and academic appointments in both France and Australia. He holds four degrees in Wine Business, including the world’s first Honors Degree in the field from the University of Adelaide.

National Geographic Shines a Light on California Wine Regions

From the Temecula Valley to the Santa Cruz Mountains, California’s lesser-known wine regions offer personalized experiences. National Geographic explores destinations across the state and discovers what makes the vineyards and region's wine unique.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

Anita Oberholster's Celebration of Life

The UC Davis Department of Viticulture & Enology is hosting a special event honoring Anita Oberholster and celebrating her impact on the wine and grape industries. The program will begin at 2:30 PM with a wine reception to follow. A full list of speakers is available here.

There is no charge to attend, but UC Davis is asking attendees to register beforehand as they are expecting the event to reach capacity. For those who cannot attend in person, the event will be livestreamed and recorded.

May 12, 2025 | 2:00-5:00 PM | UC Davis Conference Center, 550 Alumni Lane, Davis, CA 95616

What California Employers Need to Know in Navigating Cal-OSHA's Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Regulations

As summer heat approaches, California employers must prepare to comply with Cal/OSHA’s Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Regulations. CAWG Associate Member Fisher Phillips is hosting a webinar providing an overview of employer obligations, including access to water, shade, cooldown recovery periods, and indoor temperature monitoring.

Attendees will gain practical guidance on protecting workers during high heat conditions and ensuring their heat illness prevention programs meet enforcement standards.

May 20, 2025 | 9:30 - 10:45 PST | Zoom

ASEV National Conference

Registration and housing for the 2025 ASEV National Conference in Monterey is now open! Join ASEV for a week of science-driven presentations, networking, and discovery of new research findings from enology and viticulture experts throughout the United States while exploring Monterey County. Monterey Wine Country boasts approximately 85 vintners and growers with 53 varietals made into over 100 types of wine.

Book your room reservations by May 27, 2025, to receive the group rate.