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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:
- Uptick in COVID-19
- New Report Reveals Problems at EDD
- Time is Running Out – Federal Government Shutdown Looming
- Expect Farm Bill in December
- Oriental Fruit Fly Detected in Sacramento County
- FIRA USA 2023
- CAWG Members Nominated for Wine Enthusiast's 24th Annual Wine Star Award Nominees
Industry News:
- California Lawmakers to Hold Hearings on Homeowners Insurance Crisis
- Few California Workers Belong to Unions, But Unions Scored Big in the Legislature This Year
- Cal/OSHA Issues Wildfire Smoke Alert
- 2023 Sonoma County Wine Auction Raises Over 1.3 Million for Sonoma County Nonprofits
- Enhancing Irrigation Effectiveness in Vineyards with Innovative Technologies
Upcoming Events:
- New Grapevine Crop Insurance Program Webinar - Oct. 5
- Novel, Non-Chemical Technologies for Pest and Vector Management Workshop - Oct. 5
- CAWG PAC Dinner at Guantonios in Lodi - Oct. 24
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Uptick in COVID-19
With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, it is important for growers to remember that California is the only state in the nation with a COVID-19 workplace safety regulation that is still in force. Every other state has either repealed or substantially scaled back workplace COVID-19 prevention requirements which were adopted in the height of the pandemic.
California’s workplace safety standards include requirements related to face coverings and other personal protective equipment, ventilation, vaccines, training, COVID-19 cases in the workplace, testing, outbreaks, and more. Fore more information, visit Cal/OSHA’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
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New Report Reveals Problems at EDD
A recent report titled, “Improving the Safety Net: Reforming an Unemployment Insurance Program to Serve the Jobless and Preserve Job Creation,” found that California employers are paying increased unemployment insurance taxes due to significant problems at the Employment Development Department (EDD).
Specifically, the report found four major deficiencies that need to be addressed:
- EDD utilizes generous eligibility and appeals processes beyond what the law provides.
- Enforcement action for UI fraud is substantially lacking.
- The UI fund is insolvent. Again.
- EDD is not doing enough to help the unemployed find gainful employment.
The report was prepared under the sponsorship of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, which is affiliated with the California Chamber of Commerce and serves as a “think tank” for the California business community.
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Time is Running Out – Federal Government Shutdown Looming
As we approach September 30, the end of fiscal year 2023 (FY23), the pressure is mounting to prevent a costly federal government shutdown. Disagreements within the House have stalled the passage of a short-term funding bill, which is crucial to keep federal agencies operational beyond the September 30 funding deadline.
To avert a shutdown, Congress faces the challenge of either passing all 12 appropriations bills or enacting a Continuing Resolution (CR). Given the limited time left in FY23, there's no possibility of passing the 12 appropriations bills before the deadline, making a CR the only immediate option to prevent a shutdown.
It's worth noting that the most recent partial government shutdown occurred from December 21, 2018, to January 25, 2019, lasting 35 days. During that period, Congress had managed to pass five of the 12 appropriations bills but failed to pass a short-term CR for the remaining seven. The last full government shutdown occurred on October 1, 2013, lasting 16 days.
View a FAQ About Government Shutdowns provided by CAWG’s Federal Lobbyist, Cornerstone Government Affairs.
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Expect Farm Bill in December
The Farm Bill is set to expire on September 30, but with the pressure of a federal government shutdown, the Farm Bill has taken a backseat.
Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said this week that it is more likely that the Farm Bill will be passed in December. She stated “the delay was a matter of crafting a "practical" bill that would garner support - and require compromise - from both Republicans and Democrats”.
As of now, neither the House nor Senate has introduced their versions of the Farm Bill, which is renewed every five years and funds various agricultural programs, including those related to farm commodities, nutrition, and conservation.
CAWG remains an active steering committee member of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, actively working to ensure that the priorities of CA winegrape growers are addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill.
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Oriental Fruit Fly Detected in Sacramento County
Nine male oriental fruit flies have been detected near the city of Rancho Cordova and the American River Parkway in Sacramento County. The Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner, in cooperation with USDA and CDFA, initiated an extensive survey and eradication plan. Current quarantines exist in Santa Clara and Contra Costa Counties.
Winegrapes are a listed host material for the oriental fruit fly. If your vineyard is located within a quarantined area, or if you are a winery accepting fruit from a quarantined area, you must first obtain a compliance agreement and the proper exhibits to legally deliver/receive products grown within a quarantined area.
Click here for more information on the oriental fruit fly.
Search by address in the CDFA Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Map to determine if your vineyard falls within an oriental fruit fly quarantine zone.
CAWG will keep members updated on quarantine parameters in Sacramento County as they become available.
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FIRA USA 2023
FIRA USA took place this week in Salinas, CA bringing together all aspects of autonomous farming and agricultural robotics solutions.
Michael Miiller, CAWG's Director of Government Relations at CAWG was a panelist during the conference discussing "Automation: Does Safety Meet Regulation's Expectations? Other panelists included Ben Alfi, CEO and Co-Founder of BlueWhite, Christina Shupe, Cal/OSHA Board, and Nick Tindall, Regulatory Affairs Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
Throughout the three-day conference, attendees learned about cutting-edge robotics in the agricultural industry and dozens of in-field demonstrations of autonomous equipment.
Learn more about FIRA USA 2023.
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CAWG Members Nominated for Wine Enthusiast's 24th Annual Wine Star Award Nominees
Wine Enthusiast has announced the nominees for their 24th annual Wine Star Awards, honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine and alcohol beverage world.
Among the nominees are multiple CAWG members:
- Fre, Trinchero Family Estates, Innovator of the Year
- Marissa Lange, LangeTwins, Wine Executive of the Year
- Kristen Barnhisel, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Winemaker of the Year
Read more about all of the nominees here.
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California Lawmakers to Hold Hearings on Homeowners Insurance Crisis
State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers Insurance Companies have either stopped providing policies or are limiting insurance policies they will sell in California. Last week, lawmakers failed to strike a deal before the end of the legislative session.
KCRA reports that California lawmakers are slated to hold a series of hearings this fall as the state attempts to avoid a collapse of its homeowners insurance market.
CAWG staff will be participating in legislative hearings and stakeholder meetings to move forward with action that could enhance the ability of our growers to obtain affordable and meaningful insurance coverage.
Governor Newsom signed an executive order today urging Insurance Commissioner Lara to take swift action in addressing issues with the insurance market and expand coverage options for consumers.
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Few California Workers Belong to Unions, But Unions Scored Big in the Legislature This Year
With only 17% of workers in California belonging to labor unions, they have a strong pull in the legislature, partly thanks to their leader, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher.
In an article published by Cal Matters this week, Dan Walters writes that The California Labor Federation, which she heads, counted passage of 13 bills it sponsored, including its top priority measure that extends unemployment insurance benefits to striking workers.
CAWG actively opposed this measure, which is now awaiting action by Governor Newsom. Employers would like Newsom to veto the bill, citing the Unemployment Insurance Fund deficit.
Governor Newsom has until October 14 to make a decision on the proposed legislation.
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Cal/OSHA Issues Wildfire Smoke Alert
The Bay Area and many parts of Northern California have seen poor air quality due to wildfires in Northern California and Oregon. Cal/OSHA issued an alert reminding employers to follow the Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard that applies to most worksites where the air cannot be filtered and the Air Quality Index for PM2.5 is 151 or more due to wildfire smoke.
If the AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or greater, employers must take these steps to protect employees:
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Communication – Inform employees of the AQI for PM2.5 and the protective measures available to them.
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Training and Instruction – Provide effective training and instruction to all employees
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Modifications – Implement modifications to the workplace, if feasible, to reduce exposure.
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Changes – Implement practicable changes to work procedures or schedules.
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Respiratory protection – Provide proper respiratory protection equipment, such as disposable respirators, for voluntary use.
If the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500 due to wildfire smoke, respirator use is required. Employers must ensure employees use respirators and implement a respiratory protection program as required in California’s respiratory standard.
For additional information on the requirements and free materials, visit www.WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org and www.HumodeIncendios.org.
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2023 Sonoma County Wine Auction Raises Over 1.3 Million for Sonoma County Nonprofits
Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) announced this week that the annual Sonoma County Wine Auction (SCWA) raised more than $1.3 million for local nonprofits. The funding will benefit SCVF's Community Grants in 2024.
More than 200 guests attended the SCWA this year, held at La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard on September 16. Since the auction's inception, more than $41 million has been raised befitting Sonoma County organizations.
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Enhancing Irrigation Effectiveness in Vineyards with Innovative Technologies
Washington State Professor Pete W. Jacoby shares his current research focused on innovative irrigation technology options for winegrape growers during periods of drought and water shortages.
From soil moisture sensors and enhancing irrigation delivery methods to electronically controlled pumps and values - these emerging technologies can be potentially beneficial to growers and are currently being tested on winegrapes throughout the world.
This research is funded jointly by the Washington Grape and Wine Research Program and the Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research in cooperation with Ducleaux Cellars.
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Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
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New Grapevine Crop Insurance Program Webinar
Join CAWG and Pan American Insurance Services for a webinar to learn about the newly released grapevine crop insurance program.
This announcement is a game-changer, addressing the longstanding challenge winegrape growers face in securing adequate property coverage for vine loss in the private market.
The deadline to sign up for coverage is November 1st, 2023 and coverage is available in Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Luis Obispo, and Sonoma counties.
Kristine Fox and James Dillon of Pan American Insurance Services will be presenting.
When and Where:
Register today
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Novel, Non-Chemical Technologies for Pest and Vector Management Workshop
Learn about alternative pest management technologies and the science behind them at a free workshop on Oct. 5. PD/GWSS Board-funded researcher Peter Atkinson will be speaking about gene-editing of the glassy-winged sharpshooter to prevent Pierce’s disease. The workshop will be held in-person and online and is sponsored by California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation, Department of Food and Agriculture, and Department of Public Health.
When and Where:
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CAWG PAC Dinner at Guantonios in Lodi
Join the CAWG PAC and the CAWG Board on Tuesday, October 24, for an intimate family-style dinner and fundraiser at Guantonios, in Lodi. Space is limited! The evening will include a farm-to-fork specialty dinner menu paired with California wines.
Guantonios is a family-owned and operated restaurant focused on, and inspired by, the beauty that is Northern California agriculture.
Don't miss this opportunity to support the CAWG PAC and join us at one of Lodi's most popular restaurants.
Download the event flyer here.
For Sponsorship opportunities, contact Jenny Devine.
Register here.
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