California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • Sonoma County Winegrowers to Launch U.S. Wine Industry’s First Innovation Accelerator

    Due to the ongoing pandemic, Sonoma County winegrowers gathered around their laptops and computer screens to review the organization’s efforts last year and learn about the future direction from the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ president, Karissa Kruse, as the 30st annual Dollars and $ense Seminar and Trade Show went virtual for the first time Thursday morning. Additional speakers included Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor from Food & Wine magazine; Glenn Proctor from Ciatti Co.; Danny Brager, Brager Beverage Alcohol Consulting; Peggy Gsell, of Nielsen and several breakout session speakers.

    In recent years, this event has generated significant wine industry news and the 2021 meeting did not disappoint.  Kruse used this year’s forum to announce that the organization will be establishing the nation’s first innovation accelerator for the wine industry to encourage, collaborate and assist in the development and creation of both short-term and long-term vineyard resiliency solutions.

    Known as Sonoma VITS (Vineyard Innovation Through Science), this effort builds upon the reputation of Sonoma County Winegrowers as a global leader in sustainability and climate adaptation while meeting the objectives of the industry’s 100-year business plan to preserve local agriculture. Sonoma County is the nation’s first 100% certified sustainable wine region and Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is the exclusive participant in the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification Program which is the world’s first program of its kind for agriculture.

    “Think of it as ‘Shark Tank’ comes to Sonoma Wine Country.  We want to motivate creative solutions to the various challenges facing our industry now and in the future such as water use, habitat protection, climate adaptation and more,” said Kruse.  She added, “This is our ‘man to the moon’ call to action to leverage the best thinking from all innovators.  Those companies or individuals with the best ideas will present to an advisory group who as ‘sharks,’ will decide whether our organization will partner in their company and match winning proposals with local growers.”

    Sonoma VITS will serve as a bridge among the scientific, technology and innovation communities and local winegrape growers to encourage and develop the best ideas that will benefit the region’s vineyards, wineries, and residents for years to come.    The advantage of this cutting-edge effort will encourage the best thinking and creative ideas that will help Sonoma County grape growers pursue a path forward, providing real solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the industry in the years to come.  The first “pitch day” will be this summer.

    Sonoma VITS is the next initiative of Sonoma County’s Center for Ag Sustainability, which was established to problem solve and develop new, fresh ideas that will advance farming not only in Sonoma County, but may also revolutionize grape growing and the larger wine industry across the globe.

    Kruse also took time on Thursday to update the audience on the organization’s additional activities for the year ahead.

    Three years ago, SCW launched a “sustainably farmed grapes” label  and followed this with a region first of using augmented reality to tell consumers the story of sustainability.  In 2021, the label and augmented reality will be expanded.

    Also, this year, Sonoma County Winegrowers will continue to build on its popular Millennial Ambassador program which coordinates more than 175 local contacts throughout the country who serve as local influencers on behalf of Sonoma County.

    Kruse also took time to update the audience on the ongoing efforts of the Sonoma County Grape Grower Foundation which is the only non-profit in Sonoma County that solely serves the region’s farmworkers.  Among its many activities this year, the Foundation will conduct four listening sessions with local farm workers and their families to ensure the Foundation is working to meet the needs of the community.

    The event ended with the virtual awarding of the Nick Frey Community Contribution Award which was presented to a group of individuals and and organizations who went above and beyond in a challenging year to support local grape growers and farmworkers.

    The honorees were Ag Health Benefits Alliance; American AgCredit; Atlas Vineyard Management; Bahco; Casa Cristal Nursery, Inc.; Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation; Dave Martinelli of Tolay Vista Vineyards; Dutton Ranch; Exchange Bank; George Petersen Insurance; Grow West; Hinkle Charitable Foundation; Judy Jordan; Judy Newman through the Robert F. Ford Charitable Foundation; Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefit Programs; Peterson Cat; Rodney Strong Wine Estates; Sherry and Pete Swayne; Silicon Valley Bank; Sonoma Clean Power; Sonoma County Vintners Foundation; Vineyard Industry Products; Wilbur-Ellis; Wonderful Nurseries; and The Zenith Agribusiness Solutions.

     

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

    The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCW has oversight by California Department of Food and Agriculture which supports producer regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world.

     

    In January 2014, SCW committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region in 2019. As of September 2019, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable wine region in the world.  SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).  Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org

  • Western Growers Inaugurates Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders

    To identify and prepare the next generation of Western Growers (WG) members for positions of leadership within the Western fresh produce industry, WG has inaugurated the sixth class of the Future Volunteer Leaders Program (FVLP). This year, for the first time in program history, the FVLP welcomes a future leader from Colorado, which became the third membership state in the WG family in 2015.

    The following nine individuals have been selected to represent the next generation of industry leaders:
    •    Phillip Adam, Innovative Produce
    •    Mason Brady, Homegrown Organics Farms
    •    Kristen Smith Eshaya, JVSmith Companies
    •    Rocky Hampton, LIDCO
    •    Tracy Jones, Booth Ranches
    •    Colby Pereira, Braga Fresh Family
    •    Garret Powell, Peter Rabbit Farms
    •    Amber Strohauer, Strohauer Farms
    •    Grant Talley, Talley Farms

    “The increasing number of FVLP alumni serving on our board of directors is testament to the value of this leadership program,” stated Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia. ”This incoming class is a vibrant group and I look forward to their participation and future industry leadership.”

    Over the course of the next two years, the Future Volunteer Leaders will shadow current members of the WG Board of Directors during board meetings, learning about federal, state and local issues affecting the Western fresh produce industry. Additionally, during the second year of the program, Class 6 will travel to Florida to tour a host of agricultural operations as part of an exchange program with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association’s Emerging Leader Development Program. Future Volunteer Leaders will also participate in agtech initiatives through the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, as well as engage in media relations and social media efforts.

    Since the program’s inception in 2011, seven FVLP alumni have graduated into a seat on the WG Board of Directors, including six who are on the current 2021-2022 board: 
    •    Alexander Muller, Pasquinelli Produce
    •    Brandon Grimm, Grimmway Farms
    •    Eric Reiter, Reiter Affiliated Companies
    •    J.P. LaBrucherie, LaBrucherie Produce
    •    Neill Callis, Turlock Fruit Company
    •    Stephen Martori, Martori Farms

    Click here to visit the FVLP website and learn more about the Class 6 participants.

    About Western Growers:

    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.

  • Mira Winery Announces Ed Thralls as President

    Mira Winery, which produces a limited amount of hand crafted, all natural wines, each a singular expression of unique grapes, announced today that Ed Thralls is joining the team as President. The hiring follows the opening of Mira winery and hospitality house last fall on the 16-acre estate just south of Yountville in the heart of the Napa Valley.

    “Ed has the one two punch of extensive wine business experience and in-depth understanding of high quality winemaking that will only accelerate the establishment of Mira as one of the world’s leading producers of fine wines,” said Jim “Bear” Dyke, Mira Proprietor. “Ed elevates an already exceptional team and I am thrilled he is joining us.”

    Thralls came to Mira from Benovia Winery where he served as General Manager, driving Benovia’s high-growth consumer-focused business model and creating a world-class customer service reputation, directing all sales, marketing, hospitality, finance and business operations for the winery as well as production planning for the 72 acres of organically or sustainably farmed estate vineyards. Prior to that role, he served as the director of consumer sales & marketing Flowers Vineyards & Winery and Huneeus Vintners. 

    Mira recently announced they were incorporating the Western Hemisphere’s only wooden egg wine fermentation tank at their new winery in Yountville, CA as another component of their innovation and commitment to the highest quality wines. This unique vessel called “Ovum” by its creator, French cooperage Tonnellerie Taransaud, joins Mira’s custom designed hand-crafted tank cellar and adds an exciting new facet to Mira’s pure, terroir-driven winemaking.

    Thralls holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Science from the University of Florida, an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University and brings more than 25 years of combined experience in both wine and financial technology industries. He studied winemaking at UC Davis and is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW).

    The “Miracle” of Mira

    In 2009 entrepreneur Jim “Bear” Dyke and winemaker Gustavo A. Gonzalez launched Mira Winery and began to produce limited production single vineyard 100% varietal wines that are interesting, balanced and a true reflection of their place, varietal, and season. Mira is the Latin root of miracle. Mira opened a new winery and hospitality house at 6170 Washington Street in August of 2019 and takes tour and tasting reservations by appointment only. For more information on Mira, please visit our website http://www.miranapa.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

  • 2020 Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year

    Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance — We are thrilled to announce the 2020 Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year awardees, founders and owners of Peachy Canyon Winery, the Beckett Family!

    This award, bestowed by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA), annually recognizes an individual(s) who exemplify the spirit of Paso Robles Wine Country with outstanding leadership, vision, and stewardship. This award is typically presented at the PRWCA’s Annual Gala, which will not take place this year due to limitations on large gatherings. Instead, the Beckett Family, including Doug and Nancy Beckett, Jake Beckett, and Josh Beckett, will be honored in an upcoming Where Wine Takes You podcast as well as an episode of the weekly Paso Wine Zoom Hangout. An in-person celebration to honor the Beckett family will take place in the future once large gatherings are able to take place.

    “We would like to thank the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, its members and associates, for recognizing the Beckett family and our involvement in promoting Paso Robles Wine Country,” said Doug and Nancy Beckett, Founders of Peachy Canyon Winery. “Together, we sincerely appreciate this honor.”

    Nancy and Doug Beckett moved to Paso Robles in 1982 seeking a life in the country. In 1984, Doug’s love of wine led him to a job making wine with Pat Wheeler at Tobias Winery. In 1988, Doug and Nancy founded Peachy Canyon Winery. Over the years Peachy Canyon Winery grew into a multi-state distributed brand, bringing the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) name to many markets both nationally and internationally.

    “Thank you to everyone in the Paso Wine community. My family and I are grateful to be a part of something very special. We will carry this special recognition as a part of who we are for generations to come. Cheers!” said Josh Beckett, Winemaker and Director of Viticulture. Jake Beckett, General Manager, followed up, “This is a huge honor. I am humbled and thankful to be a part of this community.”

    Brothers Josh and Jake Beckett returned to join the family business after college, Josh in 1998 and Jake in 2000. Josh took on winemaking duties at the family brand and Jake manned the tractor in the vineyard as well as took to the road further establishing Peachy Canyon Winery as a national brand. In 2008, Josh and Jake partnered together to start their own winery, Chronic Cellars. In 2010, they left Peachy Canyon to dedicate themselves to Chronic Cellars full-time. Their success was swift and quickly recognized, attracting WX Brands to purchase Chronic Cellars. The timing was serendipitous when Doug decided he was ready to retire and his sons returned to take the reins in April of 2019. Jake Beckett now serves as Peachy Canyon’s General Manager and Josh has reprised his former role as Winemaker and Director of Viticulture.

    The Beckett family is committed to the local community as well as the greater wine industry. Doug and Nancy Beckett are dedicated to the arts in Paso Robles with both serving on the board and supporting the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation (PRYAF). Nancy has served as the President of the PRYAF in the past and is still actively involved in their leadership. Doug and Nancy are also larger contributors and supporters to the Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast. Doug, Josh, and Jake have all served on the board of directors for the Zinfandel Advocates & Producers, an organization that promotes and protects California’s heritage wine grape variety.

    The annual Paso Robles Wine Industry Person(s) of the Year award is voted on by the membership of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Members are comprised of wineries, vineyards, and related businesses. The PRWCA Board of Directors is the nominating body for this annual honor that was established in 1990. – By Jennifer Bravo, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

  • Allied Grape Growers Hires Michael Haddox as Manager of Central Coast Operations

    Allied Grape Growers (AGG) has named Michael Haddox as its manager of Central Coast operations. The newly-created position expands AGG’s managerial grape sales team, which currently consists of positions in the North Coast, North Valley and Central Valley.

    In his new role, Haddox will oversee business development in the Central Coast, consisting primarily of winegrape marketing and sales as well as bulk wine production.

    Haddox comes to AGG with nearly 25 years of experience in the wine industry. Previously, he was a senior winery relations manager and winemaker in the Central Coast for Agajanian Vineyards & Wine Company, where he also oversaw grape and bulk wine sourcing. Haddox has also worked in grower relations and other positions for well-known, multinational vintners based in California and abroad. During his career, he has managed millions of dollars in grape contracts; monitored grape production; built and maintained strong relationships with growers, vintners and winemakers; informed growers regarding winery marketing strategies and programs; and fostered an extensive network within the industry.

    AGG President Jeff Bitter said, “Michael brings to the job diverse and far-reaching knowledge of the California wine industry, from vineyards to the cellar to the bottle. We are excited to welcome Michael into the loyal family of AGG employees. Michael understands AGG’s culture, as we have worked with him over many years as one of our preferred grape buyers. His recent years in the Central Coast will serve AGG well, as we develop a full, self-sustaining portfolio of business under his direction.”

  • National Coalition Pushes for Investment in Aging Water Infrastructure

    A national coalition of over 200 agricultural organizations and urban and rural water districts urged President-elect Joe Biden and congressional leadership today to address aging Western water infrastructure in any potential infrastructure or economic recovery package.

    The coalition includes organizations from 15 states that collectively represent $120 billion in agricultural production, nearly one-third of all agricultural production in the country, and tens of millions of urban and rural water users.

    In separate letters to President-elect Biden and congressional leaders, the coalition said existing Western water infrastructure is in desperate need of rehabilitation and improvement. Most of the federal water projects in the West were built more than 50 years ago and were not designed with the present and future population demands and climate conditions in mind. Without immediate attention, the coalition said, the Western water system will quickly prove inadequate to meet the needs of urban and rural users and the environment.

    The coalition encouraged the federal government to invest in a diversified water management portfolio that enhances water supply and quality for urban and environmental uses while keeping water flowing to Western farms. Specific recommendations include funding for:

    • Water conservation.
    • Water recycling, reuse and desalination projects.
    • New water storage facilities, both surface and groundwater.
    • Watershed management, fish passage and recovery, and habitat restoration.
    • Federal financing mechanisms for water projects.
    • Loans for local districts operating and maintaining federally owned irrigation projects.
    • Water quality improvement for rural communities.

    Beyond financial support, the coalition also called on the federal government to ensure the timely construction of water projects by streamlining the regulation and permitting processes. 

    “While many think of infrastructure in terms of highways, bridges and other transportation facilities, there is an equally compelling need for federal investment in water infrastructure across the West. Meaningful and timely federal investment in water infrastructure, along with a regulatory system that prioritizes efficiency and completion of projects, is necessary to preserve our farms and strengthen our rural communities in the West,” said Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia.

    “Federal investment in water projects will bring widespread benefits to the environment and throughout the American economy, and will provide jobs, both in rural communities throughout the West and in communities across the country where the equipment and materials for the projects would be produced,” California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson said.

    “Water is the lifeblood of the West. Without reliable and affordable water supplies, every sector of our economy would suffer – from agriculture, to manufacturing and high-tech, to local community needs. As Congress and President-elect Biden considers an infrastructure stimulus package, it is of paramount importance that maintenance, rehabilitation and development of water infrastructure is a high priority,” said Family Farm Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen.

    “A reliable water supply is a front-line defense in the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is also a cornerstone of our nation’s economy and the environment. Investing in water infrastructure will jumpstart the economy with jobs and provide sustained economic activity by allowing farms, industry and communities to grow and thrive,” stated National Water Resources Association Executive Vice President Ian Lyle.

    “For the well-being of the people of this country and our nation’s economy, we stand together in calling for our leaders in Washington, D.C. to join us as partners in making the essential investments in our aging water infrastructure across America that are so long overdue,” Association of California Water Agencies Executive Director Dave Eggerton said.

    Click here for the letter to President-elect Joe Biden and click here for the letter to congressional leadership.

    Click here for a list of signatories to the letter.

    About Association of California Water Agencies:
    The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) serves the water industry and the public by promoting local agencies as the most efficient means of providing water service; sharing reliable scientific and technical information; tracking and shaping state and federal water policy; advocating for sound legislation and regulation; and facilitating cooperation and consensus among all interest groups. For more than a century, ACWA’s mission has been clear: to help members promote the development, management and use of good quality water at the lowest practical cost and in an environmentally responsible manner.

    About California Farm Bureau Federation:
    The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 32,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members.

    About Family Farm Alliance:
    The Family Farm Alliance is a powerful advocate for family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts, and allied industries in seventeen Western states. The Alliance is focused on one mission – To ensure the availability of reliable, affordable irrigation water supplies to Western farmers and ranchers.

    About National Water Resources Association:
    National Water Resources Association advocates federal policies, legislation, and regulations promoting protection, management, development, and beneficial use of water resources. The association is dedicated to achieving sustainable water supply for all beneficial uses in an economical and environmentally responsible manner.

    About Western Growers:
    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

  • Managing Phytophthora Diseases in Almond: Aerial, Root & Crown Rot

    There are three ways Phytophthora can injure an almond tree. Watch this brief interview with Kern County Area Orchard Systems Advisor Mohammad Yaghmour as he helps growers identify and manage Aerial Phytophthora, Root & Crown Rot.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Ganoderma: Why Are My Almond Trees Falling Over?

    Almond trees are collapsing all over the California, and it’s not just an old age thing anymore. If you are experiencing this in your orchard, your trees may have Ganoderma Heart Rot. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Nut Crops Advisor Mae Culumber as she explains, based on her recent presentation at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Potassium Nutrient Management in Almonds & Pistachios


    So how much potassium does an almond or pistachio orchard need? How and when should it be applied? Watch this brief interview with UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor Phoebe Gordon as she shares some facts and considerations for growers to maintain a healthy orchard and prevent potassium deficiencies. Read more about best practices for orchard management in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Director of the UC Kearney Research & Extension Center Retires

    Jeff Dahlberg, UCCE Specialist & Director of the UC Kearney Agricultural Research & Extension Center (KARE) in Parlier

    UC Cooperative Extension specialist Jeff Dahlberg, also the director of the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE) in Parlier, invoked his 35 years of sorghum expertise to increasing interest in growing the crop in California and to better understanding plants’ ability to tolerate drought. Dahlberg retires Jan. 8.

    As a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger in the early 1980s, Dahlberg was intrigued by sorghum, a staple food being cultivated by the country’s vast population of subsistence farmers.

    “I was impressed with the fact that sorghum was so drought tolerant,” Dahlberg said. “Nigerien farmers relied solely on rain for their sorghum and millet crops.”

    Upon returning to the U.S., he earned a master’s degree at the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. at Texas A&M, where his research focused on sorghum. He worked with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Puerto Rico for 7 years and then spent the next 10 years as research director with the National Sorghum Producers in Lubbock, Texas.

    When Dahlberg took the helm of the 330-acre UC agricultural research center in 2010, he and colleagues at the UC West Side Research and Extension Center and at UC Davis began conducting sorghum forage variety trials. Sorghum wasn’t new to California. In the past, it had mainly been used for animal feed. But Dahlberg believed the crop’s adaptability – excellent for forage, biofuels and gluten-free human food – offered the grain a rosy future in the Golden State.

    “With our research, we have provided California farmers who are thinking about growing sorghum access to locally generated, research-based information to help them make the decision,” Dahlberg said.

    Jeff Dahlberg, center, with a delegation of Chinese sorghum scientists on Sept. 24, 2015, in a sorghum field at Kearney.

    In 2015, Dahlberg and UC Berkeley specialist Peggy Lemaux launched a sweeping drought research project at KARE. The five-year study, funded with a $12.3 million grant from the Department of Energy, researched the genetics of drought tolerance in sorghum and how soil microbial communities interacted with sorghum roots to battle drought stress.

    A journal article published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2018 presented the first detailed look at the role of drought in restructuring the root microbiome. The plant switches some genes on and some genes off when it detects water scarcity and access to water.

    “That has implications for feeding the world, particularly considering the changing climate and weather patterns,” Dahlberg said.

    In recent years, Dahlberg helped reestablish tea research at Kearney, initiated nearly 60 years ago in a study funded by Thomas J. Lipton, Inc. At the time, Lipton was seeking to grow tea for the instant tea market. When the Kearney tea research program was scrapped in 1981, a researcher had a handful of the best tea clones planted in the landscape around buildings at Kearney.

    Those shrubs became the basis for a new tea research trial planted at Kearney in 2017 with UC Davis professor Jackie Gervay Hague to determine whether drought stress impacts the production of phenolics and tannins in the tea.

    “We know we can grow good tea here and we can grow high tonnage,” Dahlberg said. “We want to determine if we can do that on a consistent basis and whether we can improve tea quality through irrigation management.”

    In retirement, Dahlberg plans to relocate to Lake Ann, Mich., to be close to family. UC Cooperative Extension irrigation specialist Khaled Bali will serve as interim director of the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center. — By Jeannette Warnert, UCANR