In the fresh fruit world, which commodities have been hit the hardest by the international trade dispute and what is the industry doing to overcome the situation? Watch this brief interview with Ian LeMay from the California Fresh Fruit Association as he explains, based on his recent presentation at the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and see them at their booth at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, February 4-6 (Booth P1842).
Rick Rominger (left) and Bruce Rominger (right) – Photo by Paolo Vescia
Rominger Brothers Farms of Winters has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award®. Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is given in 20 states.
The award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation. Rominger Brothers Farms, Inc. of Yolo County received $10,000 and a crystal award at the California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Monterey today.
The farm and rangeland owned and managed by Bruce and Rick Rominger represents a community they love, respect, share with others and protect in perpetuity. They grow diversified crops – including wine grapes, processing tomatoes, rice and hay – in ways that protect the environment, using a full toolbox of stewardship practices and partnerships. This includes planting miles of hedgerows to benefit important pollinators like bees, restoring over 5,000 feet of stream corridors to connect riparian areas and wetlands to aid a variety of species, and managing irrigation water on their rice fields to boost declining shorebird populations.
Photo Credit: Paolo Vescia
The Romingers have long been recognized leaders for their adaptability and innovation while overcoming regulatory challenges that, together with their conservation goals, enhance their business. Community service and outreach round out the leadership character of Rominger Brothers Farms.
“It’s an honor to even be considered for the Leopold Conservation Award, and an even greater honor to win it, especially considering all the accomplished past winners,” said Bruce Rominger. “We are humbled to be part of that list of distinguished recipients. We love what we’re doing and believe what we’re doing improves our part of California in meaningful ways for the future. To have the Leopold Conservation Award associated with our farm is a tremendous privilege.”
“California’s environment and communities are facing some big challenges – with the effects of climate change in particular on full display with yet another round of megafires across the state this year,” said Ashley Boren, Executive Director of Sustainable Conservation, which has co-sponsored the award since its launch in California in 2006. “The Rominger brothers have spent three decades evolving their farm into a model of sustainability and climate resiliency. Their extraordinary list of accomplishments includes pioneering the use of water-wise drip irrigation, planting miles of hedgerows to benefit important pollinators, and restoring and reconnecting streams and wetland habitats – all of which helps their farm and the multitude of species that call it home endure in a changing climate.”
“We are honored to join Sand County Foundation and Sustainable Conservation to recognize the extraordinary efforts of California farmers and ranchers who go above and beyond in managing and enhancing our natural resources,” said Jamie Johansson, California Farm Bureau Federation President. “The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes innovative and replicable strategies that our farmers or ranchers utilize to manage their land and natural resources.”
Verwey Farms (Philip & Shelly Verwey, Frank & Kathy Cardoza, and Brent & Camberia Verwey) – Photo by Paolo Vescia
Among the many outstanding landowners nominated for this year’s award were two finalists. Philip Verwey Dairy, Hanford (Kings County) is a first-generation dairy whose philosophy for every management decision is: take care of the people, take care of the animals and take care of the environment on and around the farm. Their commitment to innovation and continuous improvement is evident with their 10-acre covered lagoon manure digester that generates renewable electricity that powers the farm, on-farm wells and their local community. This enables generating clean, renewable energy for two electric-powered feed mixing stations that significantly reduces the use of diesel fuel and harmful air emissions. A five-acre solar array currently being built will help the farm attain its future goal of becoming carbon-neutral.
Rosie and Ward Burroughs and family at farm in Denair CA – Photo by Paolo Vescia
Burroughs Family Farms in Denair (Stanislaus County) is this year’s other finalist. Rose Marie and Ward Burroughs along with their family are co-owners of five diversified, sustainable farms that produce organic almonds, beef, chicken and eggs, dairy, olives, hay and more. Exceeding organic standards, the family continually refines and enhances their systems to reduce water use and improve soil fertility. This system prioritizes biodiversity, and seeks to replenish groundwater aquifers, as well as enhance watershed and ecosystem health, while supporting their growing and diverse family enterprises.
The 2018 recipient was Lundberg Family Farms, an organic rice and quinoa farm in Butte and Humboldt counties. The Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to generous contributions from Farm Credit, The Harvey L. & Maud S. Sorenson Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, McDonald’s and California Leopold Conservation Award alumni. For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.
The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by 28 growers in seven districts who serve three-year terms beginning Dec. 1.
Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton, pictured above, was elected chair. He succeeds Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Ceres, who served in the role for two years. Other directors elected as officers are Tom Slater of Slater Farms in Clarksburg, vice chair; Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming in Madera, vice chair; Jeff Bitter, winegrape grower in Madera, secretary; and Gregg Hibbits of Mesa Vineyard Management in Templeton, treasurer.
“Mike’s extensive industry experience and connections will be tremendously beneficial to CAWG and California winegrape growers,” said CAWG President John Aguirre. “The association is fortunate to have a highly engaged and motivated group of officers and directors guiding our advocacy efforts on behalf of winegrape growers.”
Re-elected directors are John Balletto of Balletto Vineyards in Santa Rosa, Joel Maring of J. Maring Farms in Patterson, and Jeff Bitter of Madera.
New directors are David Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa, Chris Lynch of Walsh Vineyards Management in Napa, and Michael Manna of Manna Ranch, Inc. in Acampo. New directors-at-large are Karissa Kruse of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Kim Stemler of Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.
Outgoing directors are Michael Boer of Stipp Ranch in Ukiah, Diego Olagaray of Olagaray Brothers in Lodi, Bruce Phillips of Vine Hill Ranch in Yountville, and Brian Shepard of Walsh Vineyards Management in Napa.
The Raisin Bargaining Association’s Board of Directors has offered their signatory packers a price of $1,600/ton for the the 2019 Natural Seedless Raisin Crop. The Board of Directors is asking all RBA Signatory Packers to accept, counter, or reject this offer by 11/22/19 at 5 pm. The RBA Board of Directors strongly believes it is in the best interests of not only their growers, but all raisin growers to set a fixed price in this tumultuous year and hope that their processors also realize this and are willing to negotiate with the RBA as they have over the last 52 years.
SAN FRANCISCO — Wine Institute concludes its California Wine Country Back Roads series this month with highlights from Southern California wine country, extending south from Ventura County to San Diego County. California is home to some of the world’s most famous wine destinations. Yet, even the high-profile appellations have less traveled wine roads, featuring gorgeous scenery, acclaimed wines and fewer visitors. Before the warm weather slips away, explore the off-the-beaten-path wine roads and wineries among the surf and sand in Southern California.
Robert Holmes photo, courtesy Wine Institute.
TASTE: Just a short distance from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, Temecula Valley has been growing winegrapes since the late 18thcentury. With more than 40 wineries within its borders and 2,500 acres under vine, Temecula is Southern California’s largest wine-producing region. The warm climate makes it well suited to growing Syrah and Tempranillo, as well as Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The De Portola Wine Trail, just south of Rancho California Road, is set on the valley’s rural, equestrian side, while the off-the-beaten path Calle Contento Wine Trail offers sweeping views.
Celebrated as the birthplace of California winemaking, San Diego is where Franciscan monks planted the state’s first grapevines in 1769 and made wines for mass at Mission San Diego de Alcala, California’s first mission. San Diego County boasts more than 100 wineries—most of them small and family owned. With a Mediterranean climate rich in microclimates that allow vintners to grow approximately 60 different grape varieties, the region is best known for its Merlot and Chardonnay. San Diego is also famous for its long beaches, making it one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations.
In Ventura County, one hour north of Los Angeles, find the Ventura County Wine Trail. The route features nearly a dozen wineries, located a few minutes away from each other in a relaxed, coastal setting.
The scenic Malibu Coast Wine Trail offers more than 50 vineyards and seven tasting rooms, with the chance to sample wines influenced by the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains.
East of Los Angeles, the Cucamonga Valley was one of the state’s dominant winegrowing regions during the first half of the 20th century, and now hosts a handful of historic wineries, mainly producing Old-Vine Zinfandel and Port-style wines.
Photo Credit: Robert Holmes photo, courtesy Wine Institute.
In Malibu, stroll along a wide stretch of sand at Zuma Beach or join fellow foodies at The Food Event on Oct. 13, showcasing 40 of L.A.’s best restaurants and 20 boutique wineries.
Take an e-bike tour of Temecula Valley’s wine country, glide over vineyards in a hot air balloon or sample wines from more than 30 producers, plus local restaurants, at Temecula’s annual CRUSH event on Sept. 28.
Robert Holmes photo, courtesy Wine Institute.
Explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter’s shopping, galleries and dining, paired with a wine-focused San Diego Food and Drinks Tours walking excursion. Moving inland, visit the gold-mining town of Julian or enjoy locally made wine, food and art in the town of Ramona—15 minutes away from the world-famous San Diego Zoo—at the Ramona Art & Wine Festival Nov. 2.
For all of the wine regions included in this series, use the discovercaliforniawines.com interactive map to search wineries by amenities such as tours, gardens and picnic areas, and view winery events around the state.
Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group for California wineries, which produce 80 percent of U.S. wine. As the nation’s number one state for wine and food tourism and 3,900 wineries, California attracts 24 million visitors to its wine regions each year.
There are so many factors that influence crop yield from year to year and variability across vineyard blocks, making it quite difficult to predict crop size. But what if you could get a good idea of next year’s crop yields before the season even starts? Watch this brief interview with Luca Brillante from the Dept. of Viticulture & Enology at Fresno State as he shares some exciting new research developments and technologies that will make this possible. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and attend their upcoming Grapevine Clonal Field Days. Learn more HERE.
An increasing tight labor supply has compelled grape growers to turn to mechanization, and spur pruning grapevines can save growers a lot of money over cane pruning; however, there has been a belief in the industry that spur pruning Pinot Noir vineyards leads to reduced yields in comparison. Watch this brief interview with Patty Skinkis from Oregon State University as she shares her recent studies and vineyard trials that would prove otherwise. Read more about it in the upcoming November issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and attend their upcoming Grapevine Clonal Field Days. Learn more HERE.
Fresno, CA – Maria Montalvo is the new marketing director of retail and foodservice promotion for the California Table Grape Commission. Montalvo’s responsibilities include leading the in-store promotion initiatives and communication strategies needed to help move California table grapes through the U.S. and Canadian markets.
“We are very excited Maria has joined the team,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the commission. “Maria’s background and experience in promotion and sales, and her extensive work promoting products in the Hispanic community will be key to the development of retail promotional campaigns in the seasons to come.“
Montalvo has 15 years of experience in marketing, promotion, and sales. Maria joins the commission from Sinclair Systems International where she served as the global marketing manager. According to Nave, Montalvo will primarily focus on developing retail promotion and communication strategies to drive California table grape sales. Montalvo will be part of a four-member retail team and will manage numerous retail accounts.
Montalvo is a California native, born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley. She is a graduate of Fresno State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a focus in international business.
The California Table Grape Commission recently assessed crop volume and projected a final total of 109 million 19-pound boxes with shipments continuing into January.
With 40 to 50 percent of the California table grape crop typically shipping after October 1, Kathleen Nave, president of the commission, notes that grapes are very definitely a fall and early winter fruit. “Grapes from California are stunningly beautiful, full of flavor and phytonutrients, and are both a healthy, anytime snack and a simple, awe-inspiring ingredient,” said Nave. Suggesting that fall is the time to search out new uses and try varieties that are unfamiliar, Nave recommends checking out the extensive collection of traditional and on-trend usage ideas at www.grapesfromcalifornia.com.
In speaking about the crop, Nave noted that in July California table grape growers thought they had the third largest crop in history hanging in their vineyards but, recent assessments indicate the crop is in the normal range of 109 million 19-pound boxes, similar in size to the crops of 2014 through 2017. Noting that there comes a point when retailers can offer imported grapes to their customers instead of sticking with California-grown grapes, Nave said the commission will continue working with retailers to promote the crop and will encourage them to carry California grapes into January.
The demand for Central Valley Thompson Seedless grapes in the crush this year is diving to another record low. Why is this the case and what does it mean for the California wine and raisin industries? Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter, President of Allied Grape Growers, and read more about it in the September issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and attend their upcoming Grapevine Clonal Field Days. Learn more HERE.
