California Ag Network

Category: Featured Post

  • Hank Wetzel of Alexander Valley Vineyards Elected Wine Institute Chairman 2019-2020

    Hank Wetzel, Founder and Family Partner of Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg, has been elected Wine Institute Board Chairman for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The election was held at Wine Institute’s 85th Annual Meeting of Members in Calistoga. Other board officers elected are John Sutton of The Wine Group in Livermore, first vice chairman; Suzanne Groth of Groth Vineyards & Winery in Oakville, second vice chairman; Rick Tigner of Jackson Family Wines in Santa Rosa, treasurer; and Randall Lange of LangeTwins Vineyards and Winery in Acampo, secretary. Bobby Koch is President and CEO of Wine Institute.

    “I am honored to support Wine Institute’s work in public policy and advocacy for California wineries. We hope to extend or make permanent the federal excise tax reduction and continue to advance direct-to-consumer shipping initiatives to expand consumer access to California wines. Despite challenging tariffs, I also encourage wineries to take a long-term view on building export markets to keep California wines visible on a global basis,” said Wetzel. “All of these activities benefit both large and small wineries.”

    Wetzel and multiple generations of the Wetzel family call their property at Alexander Valley Vineyards home. He worked in the vineyards at an early age and graduated from the University of California at Davis with a degree in Fermentation Science, developing a plan in his senior year for a small winery which became the blueprint for Alexander Valley Vineyards. He has held almost every position at the winery, and increased wine production over 42 years from 7,000 cases to more than 180,000 cases. The wines are now sold in every state as well as exported. From the start, Wetzel was committed to using many “green” sustainable practices, and the winery and vineyards are CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE through the CSWA third-party audit program and a participant in the Bay Area Green Business Program.

    Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy association of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses, which works at the state, national and international levels to support California wineries. Based in San Francisco, with offices in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., six regions across the U.S. and 13 foreign countries, Wine Institute is guided by 80 vintners who are members and alternates on an active board of directors. The board elects the chairman and officers on an annual basis.

    Wine Institute’s membership also elected new district and at-large directors and alternates. District directors and their alternates were elected on a one-member-one-vote basis in each district, following nominations by regional winery associations. They are:

     

  • 2018 California Raisin Grape Mechanical Harvest Report

    As the farm labor force in California continues to shrink and costs continue to climb, growers have been compelled to mechanize much of their farming tasks.  Harvesting is one of the most labor-intensive tasks for California raisin growers, and fortunately, mechanical harvesting is an option for them.  The technology has been around for quite some time now; however, some growers have been hesitant to convert to mechanized harvesting for one reason or another.  For many, it’s a question of finance.  Many of the old Thompson raisin vineyards are not set up to be mechanically harvested, but times are changing.

    Total acreage harvested by mechanical means in 2018 was 45,429, nearly 30 percent of the State’s total raisin-type grape acreage, according to the Pacific Region Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  The Overhead Trellis Management System was used on 13,346 bearing acres in 2018, accounting for 8.8 percent of the total raisin-type grape acreage.  Fresno and Madera County growers have 49 and 42 percent of the Overhead Trellis acreage in the State, respectively. Kern County growers have 6 percent of the Overhead Trellis acreage.  Other mechanical harvest systems include Continuous Tray at 20 percent of the raisin acreage, South Side with 0.4 percent and Open Gable with about 1.2 percent of the raisin-type grape acreage.

    Although Fresno County has the most acreage with mechanical harvesting, at 32,991, that acreage only represents 31 percent of the Fresno County raisin-type grape acreage.  Kern and Madera County growers harvest 11 and 43 percent of their raisin-type grape acreage by mechanical means, respectively.

    By variety, Thompson Seedless grape acreage with mechanical harvesting is 32,191 or 25 percent of the total raisin-type grape acreage.  Fifty percent of the Fiesta grape acreage is harvested mechanically and 68 percent of the Selma Pete acreage is harvested mechanically.

    Most California raisins are produced by sun drying after placing bunches on paper trays on terraces between vine rows.  The Overhead Trellis System has led to increased production of dried-on-the-vine raisins, increased machine harvesting, and decreased hand labor use.

    Raisin grape mechanical harvest

     Procedures

    The Pacific Region Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, conducts an annual grape acreage survey.  The 2018 Grape Acreage Report, published in April, summarized the latest survey results.  At the request of the raisin industry, an additional question was added to the grape acreage survey form the past ten years to gather information on raisin-type acreage that is harvested mechanically.  In addition to the mechanical harvest data, producers were asked to update acreage by variety and year planted.  Growers were initially contacted by mail and follow up was done by telephone.  This report summarizes data for mechanical harvest methods of raisin-type grapes.    The totals included are only for those that voluntarily reported to this survey.

    Acknowledgments

    We sincerely thank the many vineyard operators, owners, and management for firms providing the information.  Funding for the raisin-type grape acreage report was provided by the Raisin Administrative Committee.

    Mechanical Harvest Methods

    • Overhead Trellis– Grapes are dried directly on the vine, forming a canopy over the rows.  It allows the mechanical grape harvester to get underneath and gather the dried fruit.
    • South Side Trellis– In an east-west row orientation vineyard, an angled cross-arm is added to each trellis stake to support two wires on which fruiting canes are tied.  The southern exposure of the fruit facilitates drying.  The raisins may be harvested mechanically with a south side harvester.
    • Continuous Tray– Grapes are mechanically harvested and laid out on a continuous (rather than individual) thin sheet of paper where they dry in the sun for two to three weeks.
    • Open Gable – Trellis wires are connected between rows of v-shaped supports.  The unique V-shape lets in additional sunlight and traps the heat.  This greatly improves ripening and drying.  Raisins are harvested mechanically with a harvester that has been modified to place the raisins in bins instead of gondolas.

    Raisin type acreage chart

  • 2018 USDA California Almond Nursery Sales Report

    The primary objective of the California Almond Nursery Sales Survey is to estimate future almond acres based on the number of almond trees sold for new plantings. This report summarizes data supplied by California nurseries throughout the State who sold to almond growers for commercial plantings. Results from this survey will be used in conjunction with the Almond Acreage Survey to estimate the almond acres in California.

    Questionnaires were mailed to all known almond nurseries in California and responses were received from 7 out of 10 operations. The nurseries were asked to report the total number of almond trees sold for commercial plantings and the total number of Nonpareil variety sold. They were also asked to report the percent of trees sold for new almond orchards, for replanting an existing orchard, or to replace trees within an already existing almond orchard. The totals are only for those nurseries that reported. Acres planted were calculated using the reported number of trees sold, along with the trees per acre from the Almond Acreage Survey.

    Results

    There were at least 10.1 million almond trees sold by California nurseries since June 1, 2017. Based on the Almond Acreage Survey, plantings from 2014 to 2018 were used to calculate an average trees per acre of 130. This results in approximately 78,000 acres of almonds planted from June 2017 through May 2018. Roughly 36,000 of these acres were Nonpareils. Nearly 53 percent of the total trees sold (41,000 acres) are new almond orchard acres and 41 percent (32,000 acres) replaced existing almond orchards. The remaining trees sold replaced trees within existing almond orchards.

    Acknowledgments

    The USDA, NASS Pacific Regional Office sincerely appreciates the nurseries for providing the information. A special thanks is due to the Almond Board of California for providing funding and support for this special Almond Nursery Sales Survey.
    Almond Nursery Sales Survey
    Almond Nursery Sales Survey Chart

  • CAWG Applauds Federal Funding for Smoke Exposure Research

    SACRAMENTO, June 4, 2019 – The House Appropriations Committee on June 4 approved a bill that includes $1.5 million in research funding to address issues related to smoke exposed wine grapes. The committeeapproved the fiscal year 2020 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and RelatedAgencies bill on a 29 to 21 vote.

    “We appreciate the committee’s decision to fund smoke exposure research and I want to commend, inparticular, the leadership of California Reps. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) to obtain these funds,” said California Association of Wine grape Growers (CAWG) President John Aguirre.

    CAWG and other industry organizations from California, Oregon and Washington originally requested $5 millionfor smoke exposure research. These groups will continue to push for the full $5 million as the U.S. Senate workson its bill to fund the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and related agencies.

    Additional information:

    House Appropriations Committee approves funding bill (June 4)
    https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-approves-fiscal-year-2020-agriculture-rural-development

    House Appropriations Committee releases funding bill (May 22)
    https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-releases-fiscal-year-2020-agriculture-rural-development

    Media contacts:
    ·John Aguirre, (916) 379-8995, john@cawg.org
    ·Meredith Ritchie, (916) 984-4473, meredith@cawg.org

     

  • CAWG Statement on Passing of $19.1 Billion Disaster Assistance Bill by House of Representatives

    SACRAMENTO, June 4, 2019 – California Association of Wine grape Growers (CAWG) President John Aguirre has issued the following statement:

    “In November 2018, in the wake of wildfires that devastated a number of California communities and prevented many growers from selling their 2018 wine grape crop, the California Association of Wine grape Growers (CAWG) and other California grower organizations asked Congress to assist in the recovery of adversely affected wine grape growers.

    “The House of Representatives on June 3 passed a disaster assistance bill that offers up to $19.1 billion to aid the recovery of communities, businesses and farmers across the country affected by hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. The bill, passed on a bipartisan 354 to 58 vote, includes $3.005 billion to fund payments for growers affected by a variety of natural disasters that occurred last year and more recently in 2019.

    CAWG-statement

    “With the bill’s passage and the expected signature of the president, California growers who experienced wildfire-related losses in 2018, including losses related to smoke exposure, will be able to apply for assistance payments from the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program (WHIP), which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency.

    “CAWG commends those members of the California congressional delegation who voted for the disaster assistance bill, particularly Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), who worked hard to ensure WHIP would be available to assist California growers affected by smoke exposure-related losses.

    “CAWG also wishes to recognize and thank the following organizations that signed onto letters to Congress last November seeking assistance for growers affected by wildfires: Lake County Farm Bureau, Lake County Winegrape Commission, Mendocino County Farm Bureau and Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc.”

    Additional information:

    Press release from House Appropriations Committee (June 4)

    https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-191-billion-bicameral-bipartisan-disaster-relief-package

    Summary of bill

    https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/Emergency%20Supplemental%20Summary.pdf

    Media contacts:

    • John Aguirre, (916) 379-8995, john@cawg.org
    • Meredith Ritchie, (916) 984-4473, meredith@cawg.org

  • How the Stormy Weather is Impacting California Grape Production

    After many years of drought, can we possibly have too much water?  Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers as he provides an update on the 2019 wine grape crop and how the recent rainstorms might impact it.  Watch this video and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Stormy Weather Sets Back California Tree Nut Growers

    After so many years of drought, it’s difficult for growers to complain about all the recent rain events that have been occurring throughout California; however, the abnormally significant amount of precipitation this past month has posed its share of challenges to tree nut growers that have been anxiously awaiting entry into their orchards to make their much needed fungicide sprays and fertilizer applications.  Some growers did suffer significant crop loss due to hail storms West of Tulare.  Watch this brief interview with Tulare County Almond/Pistachio grower Brian Watte, also current Chairman of American Pistachio Growers, as he discusses the impact of the recent storms.  Read more about it in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • CA Prunes Introduces New Brand to Inspire all to Choose CA for Prunes

    The finest prunes on Earth have a new brand with a familiar name: California Prunes – representing all that makes California Prunes premium: world-famous growing conditions, generations of expertise among our growers and handlers, a perfected drying system, and the highest quality agricultural standards of any other nation.

    “The world comes to California for prunes, and we take that seriously,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director, California Prune Board. “California is the most reliable and consistent source in the industry for quality, size, and taste.”

    CA Prunes Introduces New BrandThe new brand is a positive embrace of California Prunes for their premium nature and an expansive view of all their benefits. The new logo design transforms a statement of origin into a reflection of market leadership and a dual message emerges through the tagline: Prunes. For life. signifying that California Prunes are good for your life, at every stage of your life.

    “It moves prunes away from an occasional food choice to a daily pleasure. This is ideal since California Prunes are good for your gut, heart and bones,” said Zea.

    He explains that consumers care more than ever about their food and the time is right to promote California Prunes in a fresh way.

    “Gut health has gained more interest and relevance, and clinical trials suggest that eating five or six prunes a day may support healthy bones,” said Zea. “In addition to the nutritional benefits, market research has shown that the only thing holding people back from eating more prunes isn’t negative perceptions, but rather the simple need for more top-of-mind awareness.”

    CALIFORNIA PRUNES DRIVE GROWTH WORLDWIDE
    “For more than three decades, we have opened markets globally for California Prunes, and we continue to do so today,” said Zea. “California has invested in premium growing processes and quality control along with nutrition and crop research, all while being committed to sustainable agriculture and ethical labor practices.”

    “When it comes to prunes, California delivers. California Prunes have earned a premium reputation in global markets,” said Zea. “The message of our new brand is clear: Choose California for prunes.”

    Joe Turkovich, Chairman of the California Prune Board and California Prune grower from Winters, Calif., said the new brand represents the premium qualities of California Prunes.

    “California’s lush valleys, ancient soils, and endless sun are ideal for growing a delectable-tasting fruit that is like none other,” said Turkovich. “California Prunes are handcrafted with care to ensure each piece of fruit is harvested at its peak for optimal size, exceptional texture, and a signature sweetness.”


    Turkovich explains that California Prunes taste – and pair – like no other prunes in the world.

    “They are fresh and sweet with a rich, smooth mouthfeel that is reliably consistent,” said Turkovich. “We are eager to encourage everyone to enjoy California Prunes today and every day.”
    CA Prunes Introduces New Brand

    GROWN IN CALIFORNIA, SAVORED AROUND THE WORLD

     California Prunes are delivered into more than 60 countries around the world. The new brand will be integrated extensively into markets including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Japan, China, and South Korea.

    To access the new California Prunes logo, photos, and recipes, visit the newly re-designed California Prunes website at www.CaliforniaPrunes.org. For additional information, visit the California Prunes’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels at @CAforPrunes.

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD 
    Created in 1952, The California Prune Board aims to amplify the premium positioning and top-of-mind awareness of California Prunes through advertising, public relations, promotion, nutrition research, crop management and sustainability research, and issues management. The California Prune Board represents approximately 800 prune growers and 28 prune, juice, and ingredient handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

  • What Growers Should Know about the Grape Crush

    As many in the industry know, USDA’s 2018 Grape Crush Report was delayed due to the recent government shutdown.  This record breaking crop report was covered in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine; but we also recently got some special insights on the report along with current wine market trends from Allied Grape Growers President Jeff Bitter.  So check out this brief interview, and if you haven’t already, be sure to read more about the Crush Report in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • United Dairy Families of California Forms to Resolve Quota Dispute

    On March 29, 2019 the Department received a petition to terminate the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP). Per the procedures for handling petitions, the Department has performed a review of the petition signatures and has determined that the twenty five percent (25%) threshold has not been achieved. Therefore, the petition will not be referred to the Producer Review Board.

    In calculating the qualified signatures, the Department utilized producer data from February 2019 as it was the most current producer information available. The review identified 1,197 dairy farms with various producer ownership status. When farms with common ownership were combined and counted as one producer, the Department identified 992 producers eligible for participation in the petition process.

    June Dairy Story

    The Department performed a review of the 283 signatures submitted as part of the petition. Of those, 243 signatures were validated. During its review, the Department utilized a variety of source documents to determine if the signatures submitted were valid under the requirements of the QIP and various Food and Agriculture Code sections (62716, 62717, 61834, 61836) pertaining to referendums. Signatures disqualified included Grade B shippers, dairy farms that had gone out of business, signatures that did not have the petition text included, signatures that did not match Department producer files, and signatures from individuals that were not listed as an owner per Department ownership files. When the 243 signatures were merged for common ownership, this resulted in signatures from 197 producers.

    The result of the petition review process revealed that nearly twenty percent (20%), or 197 of the 992 market milk producers submitted valid signatures.

    Regarding the announcement, Western United Dairymen shared, “Where does that leave us? Well for one, there is no restriction on when another petition can be submitted. So the same group or another can submit a petition to CDFA. With the petition in the rearview mirror, we can only hope this will give an incentive for the Stop QIP, United Dairy Families of California, or any other group that desires to take a leadership role on this challenging issue to get involved in effecting quota change, to sit down and discuss how to deal with the future of the QIP.”

    Geoff Vanden Heuvel from Milk Producers Council added, “A process is needed that will enable the California producer community to evaluate its options for the future with regards to quota. The existence of the STOP QIP movement has spawned the creation of another group of producers who organized specifically to focus on the quota issue.  That group is named the “United Dairy Families of California.” This group is committed to a process that seeks to find an equitable resolution to the quota issue. The existing cooperatives and trade associations have been understandably reluctant to get involved in this debate because its splits their membership. It would be in the best interest of the industry if a process emerged that would facilitate a long-term resolution of this issue. Ultimately this is a producer issue and for many producers a very personal one.”