California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • FDA Intends to Extend Compliance Date for FSMA Food Traceability Rule

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced its intention to extend the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule (the “final rule”) by 30 months. The FDA intends to extend the compliance date using appropriate procedures at a later time, including publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register.

    The FDA remains committed to successful implementation of the full requirements of the final rule, as they will allow for faster identification and removal of potentially contaminated food from the market, resulting in fewer foodborne illnesses and deaths. Accordingly, the compliance date extension does not amend, nor do we intend to amend, the requirements of the final rule, which will improve food safety and protect public health. Instead, the compliance date extension affords covered entities the additional time necessary to ensure complete coordination across the supply chain in order to fully implement the final rule’s requirements—ultimately providing FDA and consumers with greater transparency and food safety.

    The final rule establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements (beyond what is already required in existing regulations) for persons who manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods on the Food Traceability List. The final rule requires a higher degree of coordination between members of the food industry than has been required in the past. Therefore, to achieve the full public health benefits of the final rule, all covered entities must be in compliance. Even those few entities who are well positioned to meet the final rule’s requirements by January 2026 have expressed concern about the timeline, in part because of their reliance on receiving accurate data from their supply chain partners, who are not similarly situated. Therefore, FDA intends to allow industry additional time, across all regulated sectors, to fully implement the final rule’s requirements.

    The FDA intends to use the extended time period to continue the agency’s work with stakeholders, including by participating in cross-sector dialogue to identify solutions to implementation challenges and by continuing to provide technical assistance, tools, and other resources to assist industry with implementation.

    The final rule applies to domestic and foreign entities producing food for U.S. consumption and was issued in 2022 in accordance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.

  • State Launches SprayDays California, Pesticide Application Notification System

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has launched SprayDays California, a first-of-its-kind statewide system designed to provide transparent, accessible and timely notifications and information about the use of specific pesticides, called “restricted material pesticides.” Restricted material pesticides are a category of pesticides subject to California’s strictest regulations, including requirements on where they can be used, who can use them and how they can be used.

    Accessible at cdpr.ca.gov/SprayDays, SprayDays California provides information online, and through email and text message notifications, 48 hours before the intended use of soil fumigants, a type of restricted material pesticide, and 24 hours before the intended use of other restricted material pesticides used on farms. Website visitors can search for scheduled applications anonymously using a map or enter any California postal address to view applications planned within a one-square-mile area. Users can also opt-in to notifications about scheduled applications near a specified address using a cell phone number or email address.

    “Managing pests—such as insects, rodents and weeds—is vital for protecting public health, the environment, the stability of our food supply and maintenance of our infrastructure,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison. “SprayDays California was developed through extensive public engagement to improve access to information and enhance understanding of California’s strong pesticide regulatory framework. This system is a significant step forward for DPR in fostering awareness and transparency. We look forward to continuing to refine SprayDays with feedback and engagement from all Californians.”

    SprayDays provides the location of applications in one-square-mile sections, which aligns with the location information that is submitted by growers or applicators prior to the use of a California restricted material pesticide. It also provides information about the pesticide product’s name, its active ingredients (the chemicals that make the pesticide work), the application method, the number of treated acres and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration number. SprayDays is also a resource for information on pesticide safety and how pesticides are regulated in California.

    Information on pesticide applications will be available on the website for four days following the scheduled date and time of the planned application. This timeframe reflects permitting program requirements, which allow growers or pesticide applicators to begin their application during that period, accommodating potential delays due to weather, changes in pest presence or the effectiveness of other pest management methods.

    How to Use SprayDays California

    To start, visit cdpr.ca.gov/SprayDays. To learn how to sign up for notifications view how-to videos or review step-by-step fact sheets.

    Additional Resources

    • Growers and Applicators: Review DPR’s fact sheet in English and Spanish for guidance on the regulatory requirement for electronic submission of Notices of Intent (NOI) prior to the use of a California restricted material pesticide in production agriculture.
    • Spread the Word: Access additional materials to share information about SprayDays California and California’s pesticide regulatory practices.


    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGULATION
    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s mission is to protect human health and the environment by fostering sustainable pest management and regulating pesticides. DPR’s work includes registering all pesticides sold or used in California, conducting pre- and post-registration scientific evaluations of pesticides to assess and mitigate potential harm to human health or the environment from pesticides, and enforcing pesticide use laws and regulations in coordination with 55 County Agriculture Commissioners and their 500 field inspectors. DPR also conducts outreach to ensure pesticide workers, farmworkers and local communities have access to pesticide safety information. www.cdpr.ca.gov

  • Power of Meat Analysis Marks 20th Anniversary at Annual Meat Conference

    Meat sales hit a record high of $104.6 billion in 2024, pounds sold increased 2.3% compared to 2023, and consumers, on average, purchase meat more than once per week (Circana) – keeping meat the largest fresh department in grocery, according to the 20th annual Power of Meat report released at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

    Nearly all (98%) of American households purchase meat (Circana), and 73% of Americans view meat as an overall healthy choice. Getting enough protein is very/somewhat important to 90% of Americans, and animal proteins, including eggs (83%), chicken (82%) and beef (76%), top the list of foods that most consumers view as protein-rich foods.

    Other priorities among meat shoppers include preparing comfort meals, having quick prep options, and getting creative with ingredients. The average American shops for meat 54 times per year and spends $16.12 on meat per trip (Circana).

    Rick Stein, Vice President of Fresh Foods for FMI commented:

    “As shoppers’ definition of value has expanded to include price, quality, relevance, convenience and experience, they are including meat in 90% of home-cooked dinners and looking for various options to suit their schedules, tastes, and interests. Whether shoppers are looking for the convenience of new ground meats or incorporating semi-prepared options in their meal prep, the meat department delivers.”

    Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts added:

    “With most Americans (74%) so confident in meat as a nutrient powerhouse that is top of mind for protein needs, it’s no surprise people are buying more meat than ever. Meat Institute members are committed to making the nutrient-dense meat Americans need and keeping America’s farm economy thriving, today and for generations to come.”

    The Power of Meat study was conducted by 210 Analytics on behalf of FMI—The Food Industry Association and the Meat Foundation and sponsored by CRYOVAC® Brand Food Packaging. Sales and purchase dynamics data are provided by Circana for the 52 weeks ending 12/29/24.

    For summary of key findings, see:

    Media may contact FMI or Meat Institute representatives for a complimentary copy of the full Power of Meat 2025 report.

    About the Meat Institute and the Meat Foundation:

    The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come.

    The Meat Foundation is the Meat Institute’s research and scholarship arm, investing in critical areas such as food safety; nutrition, health and wellness; environment; animal welfare; and labor and human rights and supporting education and professional development in each of these areas, fostering the meat industry’s future leaders. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.

    About FMI—The Food Industry Association: As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. For more information, visit: www.FMI.org.

  • Westlands Water District Appoints Brad Cavallo as Science Advisor

    Westlands Water District is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Cavallo as its new Science Advisor. In this key role, Mr. Cavallo will provide scientific expertise and strategic guidance on water management, environmental compliance, regulatory matters, and scientific investigations. He will also collaborate closely with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and key stakeholders to ensure water management decisions are grounded in sound science.
    A highly respected expert in fisheries science and water management, Mr. Cavallo has spent more than 25 years tackling complex fish and water supply and delivery challenges throughout California’s Central Valley, leading cutting-edge research on water operations, fish populations, and habitat restoration in the Bay-Delta ecosystem.

    “Brad Cavallo’s deep expertise in fisheries science and water management will be a tremendous asset to Westlands,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District. “His extensive background as a biologist and leader in environmental research—combined with his track record of developing innovative, evidence-based solutions—will strengthen our ability to address California’s evolving water challenges while balancing the needs of agriculture, fisheries, and communities.”

    Most recently, Mr. Cavallo served as Vice President and Principal Scientist at Cramer Fish Sciences, where he played a key role in shaping fisheries research and policy. Previously, he worked as a Senior Environmental Scientist for the California Department of Water Resources and a Fisheries Biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

    “There are real opportunities to improve water supply reliability for Californians while also supporting the health of important fish species like Chinook salmon,” said Brad Cavallo. “I’m excited to collaborate with the highly talented Westlands team and its partners to advance science-based solutions that benefit both water users and the environment.”

    Mr. Cavallo holds a Master of Science in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Montana and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from the University of California, Davis. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications on fisheries management, water operations, and ecosystem dynamics.

    He officially began his new role on March 17, 2025.

    About Westlands Water District
    Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than seven decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.

  • California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Names Davidson Pattiz to Board

    Davidson Pattiz, CEO of Zenith Insurance Company, has joined the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) board of directors.

    Pattiz has worked for Zenith Insurance Company, a leader in property and casualty insurance for the California agriculture industry,since 2005. He began his current role in January 2025 after spending 19 years in various roles within the company, including president and chief operating officer. As CEO, he is responsible for overseeing a nationwide operation comprised of more than 1,400 professionals. Pattiz earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology from Brown University and a J.D. from Georgetown University.

    “I am extremely honored to welcome Davidson to our dedicated board of directors,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “An enthusiastic champion of Ag Leadership for many years, he has a strong appreciation for its impact on California agriculture. Davidson’s depth of business experiences as well as strategic perspectives, leadership skills and positive attitude will be instrumental as we continue advancing our mission and vision.”

    Said Pattiz, “I am honored to serve as a board member for the California Ag Leadership Foundation. Over many years, I have witnessed the impact of the exceptionally high-quality leadership program CALF provides. Building new leaders and sustaining California’s vital, multigenerational agriculture industry are worthy efforts that I look forward to helping advance with my new colleagues.”

    Pattiz joins 11 CALF board members, including Mike Young (35), Wegis & Young, chair; Cameron Boswell (42), J.G. Boswell, vice chair; Correen Davis (45), The Gorrill Ranch, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas (40), Reiter Affiliated Companies; Nikki Cossio, Measure to Improve LLC; Rob Goff (45), Wonderful Orchards; Fidela Irigoyen (21), Wells Fargo; Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37), Land IQ; Sal Parra Jr. (46), Burford Ranch; Paul Parreira (44), Parreira Almond Processing Co.; and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Fresno State. (The number in parentheses after names indicates Ag Leadership Program class.)

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (CALF)
    CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.

  • Final 2024 California Grape Crush, Not Quite as Small as Projected

    CDFA recently released their Final 2024 California Grape Crush Report, totaling 2,961,433 tons, down 24.1% from the 2023 crush of 3,899,631 tons. The final report reflects a 43,275 ton increase from the preliminary report released last month, which still represents a historic, significant decline compared with the last 20 years of harvests in California. Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 1,466,346 tons, down 25.7% from 2023. White wine varieties crushed totaled 1,417,993 tons, down 17.2% from 2023. Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 23,630, down 51.7% from 2023, and tons crushed of table type varieties totaled 53,463, down 67.8% from 2023. For a full analysis of the report, view a recording of American Vineyard Live webcast featuring Turrentine Brokerage HERE.

    The Grape Crush Report includes the total number of tons crushed for concentrate production. In determining grape tonnage crushed for concentrate production, each processor was required to report the estimated equivalent tons of grapes crushed for grape concentrate. For the 2024 season, this total was 270,519 tons, 9.1% of the 2024 grape crush total. This report provides only the aggregate figure for grapes crushed for concentrate production and does not include information by district, type, or variety.

    The 2024 average price of all varieties was $1,009.60, down 2.9% from 2023. Average prices for the 2024 crop by type were as follows: red wine grapes, $1,335.93, down 0.7% from 2023; white wine grapes, $706.84, down 3.6% from 2023; raisin grapes, $296.41, up 2.9% from 2023; and table grapes, $150.65, down 22.5% from 2023.

    LEADING GRAPE VARIETIES AND DISTRICTS

    In 2024, Chardonnay continued to account for the largest percentage of the total tonnage crushed at 17.8%. Cabernet Sauvignon accounted for the second largest percentage of the total crush at 15.4%. Raisin grape varieties crushed for wine accounted for 0.8% of the total crush and table varieties crushed for wine were 1.8% of the total crush.

    District 13 (Madera, Fresno, Alpine, Mono, Inyo Counties; and Kings and Tulare Counties north of Nevada Avenue (Avenue 192)), had the largest share of the State’s crush at 907,220 tons. The average price per ton in District 13 was $338.64.

    Grapes produced in District 4 (Napa County) received the highest average price at $6,938.96 per ton, down 1.3% from 2023. District 3 (Sonoma and Marin counties) received the second highest average price at $2,927.18 per ton, down 1.8% from 2023.

    The 2024 Chardonnay average price of $1,056.63 was down 1.4% from 2023 and the Cabernet Sauvignon average price of $2,181.93 was up 2.7% from 2023. The 2024 average price for French Colombard was $306.60, down 3.7% from 2023, while the Pinot Noir average price was up 1.6% from 2023, at $1,728.36 per ton.

    The Final Grape Crush Report includes all grape tonnage crushed during the 2024 season. It also includes purchased tonnage and pricing information for grapes with final prices prior to January 10, 2025. View the full crush report HERE.

  • New Map to Crack the Code of Pistachio Genetics

    California produces 99% of the nation’s pistachios, generating nearly $3 billion in economic value in the state. But pistachios have been slightly understudied in part because of the lack of a high-quality map of their DNA. University of California, Davis, researchers have now generated the most comprehensive genome sequence of the pistachio, allowing plant breeders to create better — perhaps more nutritious — varieties. They’ve also detailed how pistachio nuts develop, which will help farmers manage their crop more sustainably.

    New Phytologist published the study on March 20th.

    Scientists have sequenced the DNA of pistachios before, but co-corresponding author J. Grey Monroe, an assistant professor with the Department of Plant Sciences, said this new genetic map is vastly more detailed and accurate.

    “The improvement in accuracy of the new reference genome is like going from a hand-drawn map of a landscape to a satellite image from Google Earth,” he said.

    Monroe and the research team sequenced the genome of the Kerman cultivar, the most common pistachio variety grown in California.

    Climate change challenges pistachio yields

    Pistachio trees are resilient to drought and salinity, but they require cold winters to flower properly. As climate change brings warmer winters, growers need new pistachio varieties that can thrive in higher temperatures. Warm winters, combined with the dissipation of fogs that cool California’s Central Valley, have caused significant losses for pistachio growers.

    Given that establishing a pistachio tree requires a commitment of up to 50 years, researchers said California growers are understandably concerned about the impacts of climate change on their crops.

    A nutty development

    The study also identifies four key stages of nut growth from flower to harvest, providing a complete physiological assessment, including shell hardening and kernel growth.

    “Knowing how the nut changes through development will help farmers make better decisions, like when to water their trees, leading to more sustainable pistachio production,” said co-corresponding author Bárbara Blanco-Ulate, an associate professor with the Department of Plant Sciences.

    A more accurate assessment of its development could also help provide growers better strategies for harvest and avoid issues such as insect damage and fungal infections.

    Blanco-Ulate said it was important to also detail not just the physical changes of the pistachios, but also the genetic and molecular drivers of those characteristics. The genomic sequence includes precedent-setting information on how different genes behave in nuts over the growing season.

    Nutritious nut

    Pistachios have always been a nutritious food, but researchers have now discovered the genes and pathways that influence their nutritional value. This includes insights into how protein and unsaturated fatty acids accumulate, which is crucial for both their shelf life and dietary benefits.

    “We’re getting information about how all these nutritional characteristics are gained in pistachios and how we can improve that from a management perspective,” said Blanco-Ulate.

    This understanding could help scientists breed more nutritional pistachios in the future.

    The first authors of the paper are Jaclyn Adaskaveg and Chaehee Lee of UC Davis. Other UC Davis authors include Yiduo Wei, Fangyi Wang, Saskia D. Mesquida-Pesci, Matthew Davis, Louis Ferguson, Giulia Marino, Patrick J. Brown, Georgia Drakakaki, Selina Wang and Filipa S. Grilo.

    Research was funded by the California Pistachio Research Board, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research. — By Amy Quinton, UC Davis

  • California State Fair 2025 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition Winners

    The California State Fair proudly announces the winners of the 10th annual Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. This prestigious event celebrates the excellence and diversity of California’s olive oil industry. The competition is exclusively open to Extra Virgin and Flavored Olive Oils made from olives which are 100% grown, milled, and packaged in California. This year’s competition saw an unprecedented 10 double-gold winners, a significant increase from the previous high of just two.

    Head Judge Paul Vossen, alongside a panel of 15 expert sensory evaluation judges, meticulously assessed each entry based on aroma, flavor, and overall quality. Vossen is a former University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor with over 30 years of experience. He has developed statewide and international expertise in olive oil production, processing, and sensory evaluation, including management of the first olive oil taste panel in the USA to become recognized by the International Olive Oil Council in 2001. Vossen is a regular speaker at conferences around the world on these topics and an instructor in olive oil sensory evaluation. As a founding member of the California Olive Oil Council in 1990, he continues to be a key figure in the industry.

    “This year’s group of 188 submitted oils show an astounding level of excellence with an overwhelming number of high level awards given by experienced and trustworthy judges,” said Paul Vossen, Head Judge.

    2025 Best of Show Winners:
    Best Monovarietal: Olivaia’s OLA, Estate Sevillano
    Best Blend: Jubaea Estate, Tuscan Blend
    Best Flavored: Sunshine Olive Oil, Hot Chili

    The Best of Show Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Olivaia’s OLA Estate Sevillano, crafted in Lindsay, CA. This rare and delicate oil is made from Sevillano olives, often called “Queens” due to their large size. Husband and wife producer team Giulio Zavolta and Dr. Rachelle Bross carefully select the best of the crop to produce extra virgin olive oil that is rare, delicate, and as unique as the fruit itself.

    “This Best of Show is an incredible honor and accomplishment for us as it is a testament to the love and respect we have for our trees, their California history, and the soil that sustains them,” said Giulio Zavolta. “It’s our ‘history in a bottle’.”

    The Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend is Jubaea Estate’s Tuscan Blend, produced in Napa, CA. The carefully crafted oil comes from 600 imported Italian olive trees, including Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, and Moraiolo varieties. Certified Organic through California Certified Organic Farmers, this blend features aromatic notes of fresh grass and green apple.

    The Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil is Sunshine Olive Oil’s Hot Chili, a co-milled oil made in Templeton, CA. By crushing fresh olives with seasonal chili peppers, Catherine “Sunshine” Miller has created a bold and aromatic oil with a perfectly balanced spicy finish. Judges praised it as “Outstanding!” and “Perfect.”

    Best of California Winners:
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Micro-Producer: Jubaea Estate, Tuscan Blend
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by an Artisan Producer: Gold Ridge Organic Farms, Picholine Blend
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Large Producer: Cal Pressed, Arbequina
    Delicate Intensity Monovarietal EVOO: Olivaia’s OLA, Estate Sevillano
    Medium Intensity Monovarietal EVOO: Sunshine Olive Oil, Spanish Oaks Picual Organic
    Robust Intensity Monovarietal EVOO: Marcum Olive, Itrana
    Medium Intensity EVOO Blend: Jubaea Estate, Tuscan Blend
    Robust Intensity EVOO Blend: Olivaia’s OLA, Block X Heirloom
    Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Sunshine Olive Oil, Hot Chili

    Friend to the Consumer Awards:
    Séka Hills
    California Olive Ranch

    The Friend to the Consumer Award honors olive oil producers committed to transparency and consumer education through exemplary labeling. The labels are evaluated for information on provenance, freshness assurance, tasting notes, and suggested uses. Dr. Selina Wang, California State Fair olive oil labeling judge and co-author of the labeling standards for olive oil entered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture remarked, “This year’s winners set a high standard for consumer education and transparency.”

    Fair attendees can explore an exhibit featuring award-winning extra virgin and flavored olive oils during the 2025 California State Fair, including complimentary tastings, educational classes, and opportunities to purchase olive oil directly from award-winning producers. For complete results and more information, visit www.CalExpoStateFair.com.

    The 2025 California State Fair runs from July 11 to July 27 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
    About the California State Fair
    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.

  • CAWG Calls for Fair Trade Policies to Address Real Challenges Facing Grape Growers

    The issue of tariffs, and their impact on the U.S. wine industry, is extremely nuanced. While a 200% tariff on European wine presents significant challenges for domestic importers and distributors, it also highlights the long-standing struggle of California winegrape growers and producers to compete against foreign competitors benefiting from lower production costs and, in many cases, generous public subsidies.

    “A tariff alone won’t create a fair market, real change requires action from policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers alike. If we want to protect California winegrowing, we need policies that stop unfair trade practices and a commitment to buying and promoting California wine,” said Natalie Collins, President, California Association of Winegrape Growers.

    “Despite the attention surrounding this latest tariff threat, it is unlikely that tariffs of this magnitude will be implemented in a sustainable or long-term manner. However, this moment presents a valuable opportunity to address the need for a level playing field for California winegrape growers,” Collins continued.

    “CAWG supports a balanced approach to strategic trade policy, one that enables our growers to compete while advancing economic, social, and environmental sustainability. We take pride in producing some of the world’s highest-quality wines, despite operating in one of the most expensive and least subsidized regions. Exploring trade or other policy solutions to support California growers and family-run businesses in a sustainable way remains a top priority.”

    Amid all the noise over tariffs, an actual, and very real, crisis is unfolding in California Wine Country. Winegrowers and wineries are being forced to make impossible decisions; ripping out vineyards, ending family businesses, and shutting down operations. This economic reality must be addressed if we want to ensure a sustainable future for the U.S. Wine Industry.

    While much of the attention has been on the impact of tariffs on bottled imports, bulk wine imports (finished wine shipped in large flexi-tanks, bladders, or containers) pose a more urgent and direct threat to California winegrowers. Foreign bulk wine floods the U.S. at below-market prices, allowing companies to bottle and sell it under familiar “American” brands, misleading consumers and undercutting domestic farmers. In 2024 an estimated 300,000 tons of California wine grapes went unharvested while 38 million gallons of cheap foreign bulk wine replaced California grown grapes.

    Adding to the problem, the Federal duty drawback system, in its current form, further incentivizes bulk imports by allowing companies to claim refunds on import duties and excise taxes; giving imported wine a competitive advantage in the US market. This flawed program may render tariffs ineffective if companies can simply recover those costs through duty drawback. The combination of bulk imports and duty drawback have driven down grape prices, left fruit unsold, forced growers to pull out vineyards, and pushed generational farming families out of business.

    California’s wine industry is a cornerstone of American agriculture, supporting thousands of jobs and rural economies. CAWG urges policymakers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to take a balanced, long-term approach that focuses not just on tariffs, but on creating a fair and competitive market for California winegrowers and wineries.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers: CAWG is a statewide nonprofit trade association advocating for California’s winegrape growers to ensure the sustainability of the winegrape industry. CAWG promotes the industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment, and California communities. Learn more at cawg.org.

  • Leader in Regenerative Organic Ag Named One of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies

    Rodale Institute, global leader in regenerative organic agriculture, is honored to announce its inclusion in Fast Company’s prestigious list of the world’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025. Joining the ranks of last year’s winners including Microsoft, OpenAI and YouTube, the annual list recognizes organizations shaping the future through bold ideas, groundbreaking research and measurable impact. This year’s list shines a spotlight on those shaping their industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy.

    Rodale Institute continues pioneering work in regenerative organic agriculture through scientific research, farmer training and education that demonstrates how agriculture can be a powerful solution to climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity. As the birthplace of the modern Organic movement, Rodale Institute is filling the massive void of American land-grant institutions by revolutionizing farming and aiming to fix what is broken in our food system.

    “Innovation is at the core of Rodale Institute’s mission,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. “For more than 77 years, we have been leading the charge in regenerative organic farming and proving that agriculture can heal people and the planet. Being recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies affirms that our work is shaping the future of food and farming, offering real solutions to the global climate crisis while ensuring healthy, nutrient-dense food systems for people across the U.S. and beyond.”
    Through its 40-year Farming Systems Trial, farmer consulting and educational programs, Rodale Institute has equipped thousands of farmers across the country with the knowledge and resources needed to adopt regenerative organic practices. Now, the Institute is expanding its efforts to drive even greater change, laying the foundation to transition one million acres of farmland to regenerative organic agriculture by 2035.

    Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions, highlighting those that are creating meaningful change and setting new benchmarks for excellence in their industries. In conjunction with this award, Rodale Institute’s CEO Jeff Tkach joined the Fast Company Impact Council, an exclusive, invitation-only collective of innovative leaders.

    The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

    “Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”

    For more information about Rodale Institute’s innovative work, visit https://rodaleinstitute.org/. The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com.

    ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE
    Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. The Institute’s groundbreaking science and direct farmer support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over its 77-year history, Rodale Institute has proven that organic farming is not only viable but essential to humanity’s survival. More information can be found at www.rodaleinstitute.org.

    ABOUT FAST COMPANY
    Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.