California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • Update on Wine Grape Exemption Status from FSMA

    Unfortunately, wine grapes have been looped into FDA’s Produce Safety Rule in the Food Safety Modernization Act, in spite of the fact that they are not consumed fresh off the vine. The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has been employing every effort in fighting the unreasonable regulations associated with this, and working to get an exemption. Watch this brief video interview with John Aguirre, President of the association as he provides an update on their progress at the CAWG summer conference in Napa.

  • Progress on Winegrape Exemption from FSMA’s Produce Safety Rule

    Sacramento, Calif., (July 21, 2017) – The Senate Committee on Appropriations on July 20 approved a bill that funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fiscal year 2018. The appropriations bill includes an important statement of policy urging FDA to distinguish between grape varietals so that growers of winegrapes may be eligible for exemption or exclusion from the Food Safety Modernization Act’s produce safety rule.

    The committee’s report language complements language in the House of Representatives agricultural appropriations bill, which urged FDA to initiate a process to distinguish between grape varietals so that winegrape growers may be exempted from the produce safety rule.

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) on June 15 submitted a formal request to FDA to exempt winegrapes from the produce safety rule on the basis that they are rarely consumed raw. More than 30 other commodities are exempt from the rule because they are nearly always cooked or processed before consumption, thus eliminating the risk of foodborne illnesses. CAWG provided FDA and various members of the California congressional delegation a 10-page white paper detailing the justification for the winegrape exemption.

    Starting in 2018, FDA’s produce safety rule requires most commercial growers of winegrapes to document, through a burdensome exchange of notice and assurance with buyers, that the harvested grapes have in fact been processed into wine. Growers must keep records of this exchange, for every load shipped, for a two-year period. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in winegrape growers having to comply with other aspects of the produce safety rule, which is intended to ensure the safety of raw produce.

    “The fact is that California winegrape varietals are rarely consumed raw and FDA should categorically exempt them from the produce safety rule,” CAWG President John Aguirre said.

    Wine Institute, Napa Valley Vintners and Washington Winegrowers Association have joined CAWG in support of this effort. “We will continue to work closely with other industry organizations to press FDA to change its policy,” Aguirre said.

  • Sonoma County Winegrowers Name New Education & Communications Manager

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (July 20, 2017) – With Sonoma County Winegrowers well on their way to becoming the first 100% sustainable winegrowing region in the United States by 2019, now is the time to expand our education efforts to key stakeholders such as sommeliers, wine buyers and  consumers. The goal is to share the benefits of sustainable wine and communicate the many positive impacts it provides to the environment, grape growers, community and consumers.  To do that, Sonoma County Winegrowers has announced the hiring of Melissa Vogt as its new Education and Communications Manager.

    After moving to Sonoma County in 2012 to pursue her Master’s Degree at Sonoma State University, Vogt knew she wanted to continue following her passion and work in the wine industry.  Her dream evolved when she noticed the Sonoma County Winegrowers announcement for the Education and Communications Manager position.  She jumped at the opportunity to work with a global leader in wine sustainability.  Her responsibilities will include overseeing the communications efforts directed at winegrape growers, the wine trade and influencers, as well as consumers, and educational outreach including tours, events and related activities.

    “We are fortunate to add the unique background and skill set that Melissa possesses,” said Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “We take great pride in our team and the resources we provide to our grower members and Melissa is a shining example of our commitment to be the best.”

    Vogt’s career began as a freelance writer for the Examiner covering wine tasting events in San Francisco.  Her talent and experience led to her freelancing for additional publications and expanding her scope of coverage from wine tasting to include food and restaurants throughout Northern California.  After earning her Master’s Degree in Rhetoric and Composition, she was hired by Wine Country This Week to write about the wine community.  She would later create and produce content for wine offers on SommSelect where, as the wine communications director, she mentored under Master Sommelier, Ian Cauble.  With her growing expertise and experience, Vogt was hired in 2015 as the Deputy Editor at Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate where she had the lead role in editing one of the world’s most prestigious wine review publications.

    “I am really excited to join Sonoma County Winegrowers,” said Vogt. She added, “I cannot think of a better way to support my local community and pursue my passion than by working on behalf of our region’s winegrape growers and their families.”

     

  • Robert Young Estate Vineyard and Winery: 159 Years

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (July 11, 2017) – Peter Young immigrated to New York in the early 1800’s and came to California in the 1850’s for the Gold Rush. He settled on 120 acres in Alexander Valley, where he raised cattle for leather and sheep.

    Historical photos of the family’s house and barn.
    Photos courtesy of the Young Family.

    At their peak, the Young family had more than 700 head of sheep, raised grain and herds of cattle. Peter cleared the land in the 1870’s and prepared it for the first prune orchard. Peter’s son, Silas, followed in his father’s footsteps. The tradition of growing prunes was carried on by Silas’s son Robert, who was born in 1919.

    In 1935, Robert was only 16 years old when his father passed away. He inherited the ranch with a $70,000 mortgage in the middle of the Great Depression.

    When asked by his great uncle Tom Meek what he wanted to do, Robert said he wanted to stay on the ranch and continue farming instead of selling the property. Meek, a farmer in Alexander Valley and the founder of Soda Rock Winery, went to the bank to guarantee the mortgage, ensuring the future of the Young’s ranch.

    Robert graduated from Healdsburg High School and married his high school sweetheart, Gertrude. The couple had four children: JoAnn, Jim, Susan and Fred, the fourth generation of Youngs to farm in Sonoma County. As children, they remember growing up on a prune ranch, although the property was still maintaining sheep and cattle herds.

    In 1962, a farm advisor suggested that the Young family plant winegrapes, and in 1963 Robert planted the family’s first grapes: 14 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. After a few years, he realized there was more money in grapes than prunes. In 1965, the Young family planted their second set of grapes, and in 1967 they pulled out their first prunes and replaced them with Chardonnay. In 1978, Jim and Fred worked alongside their father Robert to pull out the last 65 acres of prunes.

    Jim graduated from UC Davis in 1974 and began working on the ranch the following year.

    The Robert Young Estate today. The house on the right has been maintained and the barn has been converted to the family’s winery.

    Over time, Robert and his wife worked to expand their land, through inheritance and purchasing additional acreage.

    Jim and Susan said their dad was determined to set up the company for his four children to ensure its continuity. He was knowledgeable, but also sought advice from attorney’s to figure out how to transfer the property to the next generation.

    The Young family now farms 317 acres of winegrapes, owning 287 and leasing 30. They also have additional land that’s not planted in grapes and continue to run approximately 20 head of cattle.

    The family primarily grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but grow 12 varieties in total. They sell to 14 wineries, keeping 5-7% for their own winery.

    The Young Family today. Top row: Paul Kelley, Susan Sheehy, JoAnn Young, J.R. Young; second row from top: Becky Kelley, Tammi Young, Kathleen Young, Jim Young, Kim Young, Fred Young; second row from bottom: Rachel Kelley, Nicole Young, Robert Young, Nikki Young, Todd Sheehy, Ruth Kelley, Arlo Wallace (baby), Stuart Wallace; bottom row: Dave Keller, Kelly Keller, Lily Keller, Sidney Sheehy, Sarah Sheehy, Abby Sheehy (baby), Katie Young, Powell (winery dog).

    The Youngs began talking about a starting a family winery in 1995 to create more opportunities for the family as their kids were getting older. They produced their first vintage at Arrowood in 1997 and have proceeded to make wine at their winery on Red Winery Road in Alexander Valley.

    The grapes grown for the estate winery are more hands-on while other parts are more mechanized. Jim said that labor is the largest challenge of farming in 2017, and he sees the industry moving towards more mechanization as labor becomes more challenging to find.

    Many of the laborers working for the Young family became legalized citizens in the 80’s and have worked for the family for decades. As these farmworkers reach retirement age, the Young family isn’t seeing the next generation replacing the labor force; instead the children are taking jobs in finance or other fields.

    With the family winery in existence for more than 20 years, the Young family is constantly thinking about transitioning the business to the next generation and building opportunities for their children and grandchildren. With four in the fourth generation and 25 in the fifth and sixth generations, the family has 29 potential partners.

    Jim currently serves as the CEO, but the vineyards and winery are governed by a board that includes family members and two industry professionals who can offer an outside view. The winery currently employees multiple family members, while others are working outside the winery gaining experience which might prepare them for a future career at the winery.

    The family isn’t sure who will take over in the next generation, but said the board is their driving force and they are willing to hire experts until the right family member is groomed into an executive position. They have been working on their succession plan for more than 30 years consulting with numerous experts and advisors to get to where they are now. “We realize how fortunate we are to be on this land,” said Susan. “We’re blessed to be here and have had the opportunity that this affords us.”

    For more information visit ryew.com

    Courtesy of Sonoma County Farm Bureau, By Rachel LaFranchi

     

     

  • 2017 CA Winegrape Crop Update with Allied Grape Growers

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    Other than the extreme heat beating down on grapes without sufficient canopy cover, the wine grape crop in California is progressing quite well. Watch California Ag Network’s interview with Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers as he provides an update on the 2017 wine grape crop and the direction that current wine marketing trends are headed. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • New Survey Highlights the Valuable Contributions of Winegrape Growers to Sonoma County

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (July 5, 2017) – A new survey of more than 295 winegrape growers in Sonoma County confirms that the local winegrape industry provides a number of valuable contributions to the community. As one of the largest employers, winegrape growers pay top wages to their workers and serve as generous philanthropists contributing to non-profit organizations and groups in every corner of Sonoma County.

    The survey results were released during the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Annual Grower Seminar and Tradeshow held in Santa Rosa. The 295-plus respondents represented more than 82% of the total vineyard acreage in Sonoma County or some 47,975 acres planted to winegrapes. In addition, the respondents farm another 36,170 acres in diversified agriculture including vegetables, apples, row crops and dairy. The survey participants also own more than 53,000 additional acres that is either pasture land or open space.

    “These results are so impressive as they show the valuable contributions provided by our local winegrape farmers and their families,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “We all know that our wines are recognized as some of the world’s best and we are global leaders in sustainability but it is the actions and efforts of our local winegrape growers each and every day which truly makes Sonoma County unique.”

    Among the survey’s findings:

    • Sonoma County grape growers employ 5,186 full-time workers
    • An additional 2,644 seasonal workers are employed by grape growers;
    • Vineyard employees in Sonoma County earn on average $16.34 per hour which is 60% above California’s current minimum wage of $10.50 per hour;
    • More than 29% of local winegrape growers offer housing to their employees providing more than 950 total bed units in Sonoma County;
    • More than 93% of the winegrape growers surveyed personally donate money to charitable causes on an annual basis and more than 74% of the winegrape farming businesses donate money to charitable causes;
    • Some 63% of those surveyed personally volunteer for community organizations that serve Sonoma County; and,
    • Local grape growers and their businesses contribute more than $26,959,000 annually to local charities through financial and in-kind contributions.

    “Santa Rosa Junior College could not fulfil our mission of providing a quality education for Sonoma County residents were it not for the support of our local grape growers!” said Frank Chong, President of Santa Rosa Junior College. He added, “The grape growers understand the power and importance of education. While Sonoma County Grape growers harvest world class grapes, SRJC harvests world class students thanks to their support for affordable quality higher education.”

    According to the survey, the top causes supported by Sonoma County’s winegrape growers either through financial contributions or volunteer services include education both general education issues and ag education (40.4%), healthcare (18.6%) and the environment (17.6%). Of those surveyed 29% of the winegrape growers serve as a board of director for an organization that supports Sonoma County residents. In fact, Sonoma County’s winegrape growers volunteer approximately 12,830 hours annually to local organizations and causes.

    “These survey results demonstrate what we have always known and that is Sonoma County has an amazing collection of farmers who have always been leaders in agriculture and the community,” said Kruse. She added, “Though local residents may not know a winegrape grower or work in the wine industry, they should know that the entire region benefits from a successful wine community and the efforts of Sonoma County winegrowers.”

  • CAWG Seeks Winegrape Exemption from Produce Safety Rule

    SACRAMENTO, June 20, 2017 – The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has requested the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exempt winegrapes from its produce safety rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and place them on a list of produce commodities rarely consumed raw. The action would exempt growers and wineries from having to comply with unnecessary and burdensome requirements and paperwork under the rule.

    On June 15, CAWG President John Aguirre sent a letter and 10-page white paper to FDA detailing CAWG’s request. More than 30 commodities, such as potatoes and asparagus, are listed as rarely consumed raw and thus exempt from the produce safety rule. FDA determined these commodities are nearly always cooked or otherwise processed before consumption, thus eliminating risks of foodborne illness. CAWG argued that winegrapes are also not grown, harvested or sold to consumers for fresh consumption; they are almost universally grown and sold for processing into wine. As such, winegrapes should also be exempt from the produce safety rule.

    Currently, winegrape growers can only obtain an exemption from the produce safety rule by adhering to specific notice and assurance requirements under the rule’s processing exemption. Beginning with the 2018 harvest, FDA will require growers provide written notice with each load of winegrapes shipped that the grapes have not been processed. Starting in 2020, wineries will need to provide assurance to growers that the winegrapes received were indeed processed into wine. Growers are required to maintain a record of these notice and assurance transactions for up to two years. Failure to follow these steps precisely may invalidate the processing exemption and force winegrape growers to comply with the many provisions of the produce safety rule.

    “When FDA published its produce safety rule, the agency acknowledged that making wine from grapes effectively eliminates any risk of foodborne illness that might occur with raw grapes,” Aguirre said. “However, FDA failed to include winegrapes on the list of commodities rarely consumed raw because the agency feared growers of cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay and other varietals may sell those grapes for fresh consumption. Our letter to FDA should provide sufficient information for the agency to determine that California winegrapes are distinct from table and raisin type grapes and are rarely consumed raw.”

    CAWG director Mike Testa, of Coastal Vineyard Care, said, “It’s absurd to think that a Santa Barbara County winegrape grower would sell pinot noir or chardonnay grapes into fresh table or raisin grape market channels. All commercial winegrape production in Santa Barbara County, as in many other California counties, is destined for a fermentation tank. FDA’s produce safety rule should acknowledge that and exempt winegrapes.”

     

     

    Media contact:

    • John Aguirre, (916) 379-8995, john@cawg.org

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (June 23, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; and being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn and sorghum for silage continues being planted, cultivated, and irrigated. The corn silage crop is in various stages, from newly planted to already producing tassels. Cotton continues to be irrigated, cultivated, and growing well.

    Peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums continue to be picked and shipped to domestic markets, with exports to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan. Demand for stone fruit remains strong in the domestic market. Last year’s almonds and pistachios are being exported to the European Union, Hong Kong, and India. Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards continue being irrigated. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continues in orchards. Grapevines continue to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color.

    Late navel orange harvest has finished. Valencia orange harvest continues, with exports to China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Regreening is becoming more common due to the higher temperatures. Packers are color sorting to compensate. Ruby Red grapefruit are being harvested for the domestic market.

    Certified producers are picking tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers for sale at the local Farmer’s Markets. Italian squash, eggplant, and cucumbers are being harvested. Blueberry harvest is slowing down in most parts of Tulare County. Blueberry and strawberry harvest should be coming to an end with this week’s hot weather. Sweet corn harvest is beginning with a few roadside stands opening and sales at the local Farmer’s Markets.

    Low elevation rangeland continues to dry, and cattle are being moved to higher elevations. The higher elevations are providing more grass than previous years. Fed cattle prices dropped $5.00 to $132.00 per hundredweight.

    Surface water is flowing in many of the irrigation canals as the hot weather accelerates the snow melt. Many farmers across Tulare County are able to use surface water to irrigate crops this year instead of relying solely on pumping ground water. Wholesale nursery shipments to Canada and domestic markets continue.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (June 20, 2017) – A departing upper-level trough early in the week left cooler air across parts of the State with a few lingering showers on Monday. Rainfall was mostly limited to Monday across the far northeastern corner of the State near Alturas, which received just over half an inch of rain on Monday.  A few isolated sprinkles moistened parts of the central and northern Sierras on Monday, as well. This quickly gave way to a building mid-level ridge over the southwestern United States, which brought dry air and hot conditions to much of the State.

    Temperatures rose dramatically last week, with very hot temperatures across nearly all parts of the State except perhaps the coastal northern areas. Very warm temperatures helped accelerate snowmelt in the mountains. Both Mt. Whitney in the south and Mt. Shasta in the north were still snowcapped on their peaks, with Mt. Shasta expected to remain so for some time. Snowcover elsewhere is now limited to a band about 40 miles wide between Tahoe and the Sequoia National Forest, at elevations above 8,000 feet. There was still eight feet of snowcover at these locations, with the area just north of Yosemite still estimated at six feet of snowcover.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 60s along the coast, 60s to 80s in the mountains, 90s to 100s in the valley, and 90s to 110s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 40s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast, 50s to 70s in the valley, and 60s to 80s in the desert.

    Silage corn planting was completed. Fields were being prepared and planted with summer beans, Sudan grass, and silage sorghum. Wheat harvest for grain was approaching completion. Small grains such as oats and barley were being cut and baled, or harvested for grain. Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress and being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn planting continued and earlier planted fields were growing well, with some developing tassels. Cotton was being irrigated and growing well.

    Peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums continue to be harvested. Some orchard floors were lined with reflective plastic to improve color prior to harvest. Grapevines continued to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color. Kiwi fruit were thinned. Cherry harvest was wrapping up for the season. Navel orange harvest was nearly complete. Valencia orange harvest continued.  Grapefruit harvest was drawing to a close. Old citrus trees were being pulled to make way for new citrus varieties. Since bloom was complete for seedless tangerines, removal of the protective netting began.

    Weed control in almond orchards was ongoing. Pistachio, walnut, and almond orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Mechanical and chemical weed control operations continued in nut orchards.

    In Colusa County, row crops such as tomatoes were growing at a fast pace.  In San Joaquin County, tomatoes and sweet corn were growing well.  Summer vegetables were harvested and offered for sale at local Farmer’s markets.  Field ground preparation and planting of crops continued.  In Fresno County, tomatoes were kept fresh by continual irrigation.  Red onions, carrots, and peppers were harvested.  Onions for seed were irrigated.  In Tulare County, summer vegetables were harvested and shipped domestically.  Italian squash, peppers, and cucumbers were harvested.  Eggplant and tomatoes continued to grow and mature.  In Imperial County, spring melons and sweet corn were harvested.  Some growers reported exceptional yields.  Dehydrated onions were harvested and shipped out of the valley for processing.  Large insect activity was reported in onion fields.

    As the summer heat dries out the grasses and forbs, range and dryland pasture forage quality began to deteriorate. Foothill range and valley dryland pasture was in fair to very poor condition. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation range. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in vegetable fields.

  • Late Spring Vineyard Management Decisions with Greg Pennyroyal

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    Temecula Vineyard Manager Greg Pennyroyal was featured in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine, and we hoped you enjoyed reading his story. Now check out his video interview here to see what’s going on right now in the vineyard and what he is doing to protect his grapes to ensure a quality crop this year.