California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • CAWG Announces 2022 Awards of Excellence Recipients

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) selected Bogle Vineyards as the 2022 Grower of the Year and Dr. Anita Oberholster as the 2022 Leader the Year. The recipients will be honored at an awards reception on Jan. 25 during the 2022 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento.

    “We applaud the outstanding leadership and exceptional efforts of the Bogle family and Dr. Oberholster, who are very deserving of these awards,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “The Bogles – Warren, Jody and Ryan – are role models in the winegrape industry through their longtime commitment to sustainability, success in producing quality wines, advocacy for their community and fellow growers, and well-deserved respect as an employer. CAWG is proud to have Bogle Vineyards as a longtime member. Dr. Oberholster is an esteemed researcher and leading voice as an educator and expert on the complicated issues surrounding wildfire smoke and winegrapes. Her relentless drive to help by sharing her expertise and frequent communication have been incredibly beneficial to growers and vintners, and CAWG appreciates all that she has done for California’s winegrowers.”

    2022 CAWG GROWER OF THE YEAR

    The Grower of the Year Award is the highest honor given by CAWG. It is bestowed to an individual, family or company that represents an outstanding example of excellence in viticulture and management. The recipient is an efficient and successful producer of quality winegrapes, recognized for innovation and leadership within the industry.

    The Bogle family has farmed in the Clarksburg region of the Sacramento Delta for six generations. The family-owned and operated winery planted its first 20 acres of winegrapes in 1968. For the first 10 years, the family grew grapes for other wineries, then began releasing the wine under their own label in 1978. Today, Bogle is one of the largest wine producers in the nation. It farms nearly 1,900 acres in the Clarksburg AVA and sells more than 2.5 million cases around the world, shipping to all 50 states and more than 40 countries. Along with the farmed acres, the family also purchases grapes from various California growers. Bogle Vineyards was named the 2019 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

    As part of Bogle’s commitment to sustainability, one of its goals is to ensure an abundant, clean water source for the land and people. Bogle partners with American Rivers to protect and restore rivers. The company focuses on high-efficiency drip irrigation on its estate vineyards and all water used at the winery is reclaimed and reused for irrigation of on-site crops and landscaping. It also invested in an energy- and water-efficient production facility. The family is committed to good land stewardship and preserving its vitality. Bogle Vineyards is a Certified Green Winery and certifies all its estate vines under the California Rules. It was also awarded the 2018 California Green Medal: Leader Award. In 2017, Bogle required all 91 of its growers to implement the California Rules for Sustainability standards. By 2018, 96% of all grapes crushed at Bogle were Certified Green.

    Giving back is also important to Bogle Vineyards. In addition to the work with American Rivers, the company created Bogle Gives Back to pledge its commitment to the community. Partners include the American Red Cross to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts, as well as Habitat for Humanity in the greater Sacramento region.

    Dr. Anita Oberholster, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist & Recipient of CAWG’s Leader of the Year Award

    2022 CAWG LEADER OF THE YEAR

    The Leader of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose record of exceptional leadership has benefitted California’s wine industry and is an inspiration to others. The recipient has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to issues of significant importance to winegrape growers and has achieved lasting changes to promote and protect the interests of California winegrape growers.

    Dr. Anita Oberholster completed her Ph.D. in wine sciences at the University of Adelaide in Australia in 2008. In 2011, she moved from her research position at the Stellenbosch University Department of Viticulture and Oenology in South Africa to the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, where she joined the staff as a UC Cooperative Extension specialist.

    In her current position, Oberholster focuses on continuing education for the grape and wine industry, while her research program concentrates on current issues in the grape and wine industry. Her core research program focusses on the influence of viticultural practices and environmental factors on grape ripening and composition, and related wine quality and investigations to determine the influence of different vinification practices on wine composition and quality.

    Since 2017, smoke exposure in winegrapes became a main research area, investigating the absorption of volatile phenols on to grapes and the subsequent impact on wine composition and quality. Oberholster has been instrumental in the research and dissemination of information regarding smoke exposed fruit. She has been an active member of the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force and a willing presenter for CAWG-supported webinars and meetings.

    Oberholster completed a series of YouTube videos demonstrating how to conduct small-scale fermentations for the evaluation of smoke exposure risk to winegrapes and answered questions through her Zoom presentations titled “Office Hours with Dave and Anita.”

    RECEPTION

    The CAWG Awards of Excellence reception will be held on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. (following the Unified welcome reception) at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento.

  • USDA to Purchase $30 Million in US Table Grapes in 2022

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase U.S.-grown table grapes as part of its 2022 Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP).

    The USDA recently announced its commitment of $30 million to purchase U.S.-grown table grapes in 2022 for distribution to food banks and other food programs around the country. Purchases will be made June through December, a timeframe during which California-grown table grapes dominate U.S. production (with about 99% of all US grapes grown in California). The award, which came as a result of a formal request made by the California Table Grape Commission, will mark the third year in a row that table grapes have been included in the federal food purchasing program.

    Table grape shippers interested in participating in the FPDP must apply to become a USDA vendor and then, if approved, submit bids in a competitive process. Growers must undergo and pass the USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits. GAP focuses on farm review and field harvesting/packing activities while GHP covers packinghouses, cold storage, and transportation.

    The USDA award announcement comes as planning for the 2022 California table grape season gets underway and meetings with retailers are scheduled. Part of planning for the season includes knowing what commitments are already made for the upcoming crop. – California Table Grape Commission

  • CAWG President John Aguirre to Step Down After 12 Years

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) announced the planned departure of its president, John Aguirre, effective May 31, 2022. He started with the association on June 1, 2010.

    “Leading CAWG has been a dream job,” Aguirre said. “I’ve had the privilege of working for outstanding volunteer leaders who are dedicated to the idea of advocacy on behalf of winegrape growers. I could not contemplate a better conclusion to my career as an association executive. My wife and I are planning a new chapter in our lives with a move to Portugal mid-year, but I intend to maintain my relationship with the wine industry.”

    Tom Slater, of Slater Farms in Clarksburg and chair of the CAWG board of directors said, “We are grateful that John gave us 12 years of steady leadership and his unwavering commitment to growers’ interests. No matter how tough the issues, he always provided a reassuring voice and wise counsel.”

    Under Aguirre’s leadership, CAWG increased its presence in Washington, D.C. by hiring a new federal government affairs team. Since 2010, CAWG has advocated for well-funded plant pest and disease programs and for a revamped agricultural guestworker program, obtained relief for winegrape growers from the Food and Drug Administration’s produce safety rule, and secured federal money for new programs of research on wildfire smoke issues and disaster assistance for growers affected by wildfires. More recently, Aguirre played a key role in the formation and operation of the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force, a group comprised of industry representatives from California, Oregon and Washington.

    At the state level, CAWG twice succeeded in reauthorizing grower assessments to address Pierce’s disease, the glassy-winged sharpshooter and the control of other pests; passed amendments to California’s processors law; and worked to protect growers from onerous new labor and environmental regulations.

    Aguirre has spent his career working on agriculture and food policy. He began his career in the U.S. Congress working for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and later for the House Committee on Agriculture. After leaving Capitol Hill, he worked for two food industry associations in Washington, D.C., and immediately prior to joining CAWG, Aguirre served as executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

    To ensure a smooth transition, Aguirre is working closely with Slater, who will meet with the CAWG board of directors this month to consider and formalize a transition plan. “The association is strong and we are well equipped to transition to new leadership,” Slater said.

  • Deadline Extended to Apply for Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for agricultural producers who are certified organic, or transitioning to organic, to apply for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). This program provides pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses. The deadline to apply for 2020 and 2021 eligible expenses is now Feb. 4, 2022, rather than the original deadline of Jan. 7, 2022.

    “We listened to feedback from our stakeholders and are happy to provide organic producers, and those transitioning their operations, enough time to learn about the program and complete the application,” said Zach Ducheneaux, FSA Administrator.

    Signup for OTECP, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), began Nov. 8.

    Program Background  

    Certified operations and transitional operations may apply for OTECP for eligible expenses paid during the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years. Signup for the 2022 fiscal year will be announced at a later date.

    For each year, OTECP covers 25% of a certified operation’s eligible certification expenses, up to $250 per certification category (crop, livestock, wild crop, handling and State Organic Program fee). This includes application fees, inspection fees, USDA organic certification costs, state organic program fees and more.

    Crop and livestock operations transitioning to organic production may be eligible for 75% of a transitional operation’s eligible expenses, up to $750, for each year. This includes fees charged by a certifying agent or consultant for pre-certification inspections and development of an organic system plan.

    For both certified operations and transitional operations, OTECP covers 75% of the registration fees, up to $200, per year, for educational events that include content related to organic production and handling in order to assist operations in increasing their knowledge of production and marketing practices that can improve their operations, increase resilience and expand available marketing opportunities. Additionally, both certified and transitional operations may be eligible for 75% of the expense of soil testing required under the National Organic Program (NOP) to document micronutrient deficiency, not to exceed $100 per year.

    Producers apply through their local FSA office and can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling 877-508-8364. The program application and additional information can be found at farmers.gov/otecp.

    Additional Organic Support    

    OTECP builds upon USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) which provides cost share assistance of 50%, up to a maximum of $500 per scope, to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the NOP. Although the application period for OCCSP ended Nov. 1, 2021, FSA will consider late-filed applications for those operations who still wish to apply.

    Meanwhile, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently made improvements to Whole-Farm Revenue Protection to make it more flexible and accessible to organic producers.

    To learn more about USDA’s broader assistance for organic producers, visit usda.gov/organic.

  • How Extreme Weather Affects Ag and Wine Production Keynote Address at 2022 Unified Symposium

    With so much attention paid to climate change, the 2022 Unified Wine and Grape Symposium this January has appropriately recruited the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) climate director to open the prestige three-day event. As Unified’s Tuesday luncheon keynote speaker, Dr. Steven Ostoja, director of the USDA California Climate Hub, will offer his  insights into how a changing climate and extreme weather are affecting agriculture and winegrape production, adaptation strategies growers need to know about and ways the industry can combat a changing climate. The luncheon will take place at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center on Tuesday, January 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    Based at the Agricultural Research Services’s Sustainable Agriculture Water Systems Research Unit, Dr. Ostoja is a Fellow at the John Muir Institute of the Environment at the University of California, Davis. He’s responsible for leading the development and delivery of regional, science-based information to enable climate-smart agricultural and forestry decision-making for the largest agricultural producing state in the nation. Dr. Ostoja’s research into applied natural resources management, human-environment ineractions, and climate adaptation science has been published in over 50 peer-reviewed government and technical publications.

    Registration for the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium is online at www.unifiedsymposium.org or by calling (888) 529-9272. The Keynote Luncheon is a separate fee and includes a plated lunch and wine. The 2022 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium will be held on January 25-27, with exhibits open on January 26 and 27, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento, Calif. 95814. Committed to providing the safest possible environment for guests, the Unified is following the most current COVID-19 health and safety requirements. To learn more about our safety protocol, visit the website or click on this link.

    Built with the joint input of growers, vintners and allied industry members, the Unified Symposium has served as a clearinghouse of information important to wine and grape industry professionals for 28 years. Unified also hosts the industry’s largest trade show of its kind, with more than 850 booths displaying supplier’s products and services. For more information, go to www.unifiedsymposium.org.

  • Allied Grape Growers Hires Pam Bond as North Coast Operations Support

    Allied Grape Growers (AGG) has named Pam Bond as its North Coast operations support, effective Dec. 1. In her new role, she will work closely with AGG’s North Coast regional manager and grower relations representative, providing administrative support around contract negotiations as well as field support for grower relations. Bond worked with AGG through the 2021 harvest as a seasonal employee before accepting this full-time position.

    “We are very excited to expand our North Coast staff with someone of such rich experience and reputation,” AGG President Jeff Bitter said. “Pam brings a delightful spirit and work ethic to AGG, and she will serve our growers and grape buyers well. Her experience in all aspects of administration and operations, from vineyards to winery, will be an asset for our rapidly growing North Coast business.”

    Bond comes to AGG with extensive experience and connections in the industry, specifically with coordinating successful vineyard management strategies and initiatives with growers designed to increase quality and revenue. She previously worked for Swanson Vineyards and Winery in Oakville as director of vineyard and estate operations from 2010 to 2020 and as assistant vineyard manager from 2002 to 2010. During her time with Swanson, she served in management positions; handled grower relations; was responsible for all aspects of grape purchases, sales and communication; and worked on pest and disease identification and control.

    Bond was a member of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s PD/GWSS Board from 2012 to 2020, including a one-year term as board chair. She holds an associate degree in viticulture from Napa Valley College.

    “I am delighted to become a member of Allied Grape Grower’s excellent team,” Bond said. “I look forward to contributing in their service to, and collaboration with, North Coast growers and wineries, working together and weaving the ongoing story of beautiful wines.”

  • CAWG Elects New Board Directors, Tom Slater as Chair

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by 27 growers in six districts who serve three-year terms beginning Dec. 1.

    Tom Slater of Slater Farms in Clarksburg was elected chair. He succeeds Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton, who served in the role for two years. Other directors elected as officers are Jeff Bitter, winegrape grower in Madera, vice chair; Gregg Hibbits of Mesa Vineyard Management in Templeton, vice chair; Jason Smith of Valley Farm Management in Salinas, secretary; and Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko of Napa Wine Co./Yount Mill Vineyards in Oakville, treasurer.

    “Tom Slater is known as an industry leader who has been active on a variety of issues important to the agricultural community in the Delta and winegrape growers throughout California,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “He leads a board of directors that is highly engaged and motivated to improve California’s policy climate.”

    Reelected directors are Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management in Healdsburg, Greg Gonzalez of Foley Family Farms in Los Olivos, Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko of Napa Wine Co./Yount Mill Vineyards in Oakville, Marshall Miller of The Thornhill Companies in Santa Barbara and Jeff Wiens of Wiens Family Cellars of Temecula.

    New directors are Aaron P. Lange of LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in Lodi (returning to the board), Ron Lanza of Wooden Valley Winery and Lanza Vineyards in Fairfield, Dave Michul of Beckstoffer Vineyards in Rutherford and Molly Scott of Justin Vineyards in Paso Robles.

    Outgoing directors are David Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa, Joe Cotta of Joseph Cotta Vineyards in Galt, Troy Javadi of Meadowlark Harvesting in Paso Robles and Robert Pirie of Colligere Farm Management in Lodi.

  • Why Sonoma County Needs a Wine Grape Pest Control District

    “Napa County has a Wine Grape Pest Control District, why not other critical wine growing regions in the North Coast?” This was a topic of discussion at the recent Sonoma Grape Expo.  Vineyards are constantly threatened by invasive pests and diseases, and Jason Saling (local grower, President of the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group, and Chair pro Tem on the Sonoma County Pest Control District Coalition) is collaborating with the industry to make this possible.  Watch this video and read more in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Successful North Coast Grape Harvest Spurs Growth & Investment

    Despite numerous challenges for the wine industry these past few years, Allied Grape Growers was pleased to report all of their North Coast fruit safely harvested and delivered this season. Watch this video with North Coast representative Chad Clark as he also discusses new growth and investment in the region. Read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine. Watch this video and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

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

  • State of the California Raisin Industry with Sun-Maid

    The last few years have been quite challenging for California raisin growers.  Grower returns have been lower despite increasing input costs, but the tide appears to be changing to their favor as shared at Malcolm Media’s recent Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo. Watch this brief interview with Sun-Maid Growers’ CEO Harry Overly as he explains, and read more about it in the upcoming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.