California Ag Network

Tag: CAWG

  • CAWG Awarded CalAgPlate Grant for Owl Box Construction

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is excited to announce the receipt of a $9,908 grant from the 2023 California License Plate (CalAgPlate) program, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This grant aims to elevate agricultural education and leadership opportunities for both students and teachers throughout California.

    The grant project, aptly named “Creating a Sustainable Future: Owl Box Construction for Hands-On Agricultural Learning,” will empower FFA students with a unique hands-on experience in constructing 200 owl boxes. These purpose-built boxes will be distributed to winegrape growers as part of CAWG’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration in November 2024. Beyond the celebratory aspect, the grant presents FFA students with a valuable opportunity to contribute to practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.

    Through this engaging project, students will not only gain woodworking experience but will also delve into essential aspects of agriculture, including the role of biodiversity, pest management strategies, and the critical importance of preserving natural ecosystems. The educational components seamlessly align with FFA’s overarching mission to nurture and develop young agricultural leaders.

    Natalie Collins, President of CAWG, shared her enthusiasm for the grant, stating, “This project is truly exciting for both CAWG and California’s FFA students. It introduces solutions that promote hands-on learning and contribute to environmental stewardship, cultivating collaboration between our association and the future stewards of our industry in FFA. It’s a win-win that propels us toward a greener and more resilient viticultural landscape.”

    This project was one of only four applications selected for funding in 2023. The funding for the CalAgPlate program is derived from the sales of specialized license plates with an agricultural theme, through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since the initiation of the CalAgPlate grant program, CDFA has awarded more than $2 million to foster agricultural education and leadership development.

  • CAWG Elects New Board Officers and Directors, Gregg Hibbits Named Chair

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by a 29-person board of directors, consisting of 27 growers representing diverse regions and operations throughout the state, and two directors-at-large.

    Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capital Partners in San Luis Obispo was elected as chairman of the board, succeeding Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc., who served in the role since 2021. The newly elected officer team includes Jeff Bitter, a winegrape grower in Madera, and John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma as vice-chairs; Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management, LLC in Healdsburg as secretary; and Jason Smith of Valley Farm Management in Salinas as treasurer.

    “Gregg’s wealth of experience in the winegrape sector is poised to be an invaluable asset as he guides the association into its 50th year,” stated Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “With Gregg at the helm, CAWG remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts, navigating the intricate landscape of state and federal legislation and regulations for the benefit of winegrape growers.”

    CAWG is pleased to introduce six new directors, whose term will commence on December 1. The new additions include Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery in Geyserville, George Donati of Pacific Coast Farming in San Luis Obispo, Tom Merwin of Merwin Vineyards in Clarksburg, Ben Kolber of KG Vineyard Management in Lodi, Ryan Winters of Winters Farming, Inc. in Manteca, and Eric Marthedal of Marthedal Farms in Fresno.

    We extend sincere gratitude to the outgoing directors who have completed their dedicated service on the board: Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Clements, Stephen Kautz of Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming Co. in Madera, Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc. in Clarksburg, Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, and Taylor Serres of Serres Ranch in Sonoma.

  • CAWG-Sponsored Groundwater Recharge Legislation Sent to Governor

    This week, SB 659 (Ashby, D-Sacramento), which is co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), cleared its final legislative hurdle and was sent to Governor Newsom for consideration. SB 659, The California Water Supply Solutions Act of 2023, puts California on a path to develop additional groundwater recharge opportunities that increase the recharge of the state’s groundwater basins.

    “SB 659 represents the most significant effort since creation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in 2014, in emphasizing the supply side of managing groundwater,” said Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “CAWG thanks Senator Angelique Ashby for her leadership in authoring this bill. We also thank our co-sponsor Regional Water Authority in Sacramento for partnering with CAWG on this important legislation.”

    SB 659 would give the Newsom Administration the needed authority to implement long-term strategies (regulations, funding, etc.) to ensure that addressing the impacts of climate change are a key component in securing a reliable source of WATER FOR ALL of California. This bill will lead toward a meaningful increase in the amount of groundwater recharged and help to take advantage of the state’s vast groundwater storage capacity.

    Senator Ashby said, “Groundwater recharge projects provide multiple benefits, such as reducing flood risk, storing water for future droughts, maintaining agricultural productivity and domestic water use, improving management for environmental flows, and sustaining groundwater dependent ecosystems.”

    Due to the impact of climate change, it has become imperative that we capture stormwater and substantially accelerate our groundwater recharge efforts. That is why a meaningful coalition of 52 organizations representing the agricultural industry, builders, water agencies, local agencies, and environmental organizations are all in support of SB 659.

    Newsom has until October 14 to act on SB 659.

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $44,000 in Student Scholarships

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $44,000 in college scholarships to eight students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.

    “The scholarships, awarded annually by the CAWG Foundation, serve as a powerful testament to our profound gratitude for the families of vineyard employees. The workforce is the very essence of our industry, and these scholarships stand as a heartfelt expression of our immense appreciation,” stated Davindar Mahil, Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors.

    The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have truly excelled in various aspects. From academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities to making a positive impact through public service and active community engagement. In addition to considering financial need and scholastic ability, the board also values a strong spirit of community service, a track record of leadership, and a personal essay that embodies their journey.

    Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $603,500 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. Generous donations from CAWG members and the California wine community fund the scholarship program.

    This year, five scholarships at $8,000 each were awarded to students attending a four-year University of California or California State University campus, one two-year scholarship at $2,000 was awarded to a student attending a California community college, and two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students through the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Created by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students who plan to pursue a career in the winegrape industry and are studying viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients / $8,000 each

    Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School
    Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School
    Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School

    Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipient / $2,000

    Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship / $1,000 each

    David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $8,000 EACH

    Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School

    Sofia is a hardworking first-generation college student who hopes to own her own business and/or work in the sports industry. Sofia has excelled in school, being named one of her high school’s top 40 students, an award that she was nominated for and voted on by staff. She has excelled in school, skipping a grade, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and being actively involved in CSF, student council, and golf. Sofia attended a CADA/CASL leadership conference at UC Santa Barbara where she grew as a leader. She plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall and major in business.

    Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School

    Harmandeep is a passionate and dedicated student with a strong appreciation for the field of science. In the fourth grade, Harmandeep joined the Science Olympiad team and his love for science has never wavered. He served as the captain of the Tokay High School’s Varsity Science Olympiad team where he broadened his knowledge in all aspects of science. This experience led him to his career goal of becoming a healthcare professional. He hopes to one day provide quality healthcare in the Central Valley. Harmandeep has volunteered within his community at the Sikh Temple, San Joaquin County Medical Society, and the NorCal Science Festival. Harmandeep plans to attend UCLA, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Agricultural Pest Management.

    Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School

    Faith is the first in her family to graduate from high school and pursue a college degree. She is goal- oriented, driven, and values her education. Throughout her high school career, Faith has been active in 4-H and FFA and was one of 43 seniors to receive a gold academic pin for being involved in scholastic extracurriculars while maintaining multiple jobs. Faith plans to become an agricultural inspector after college because of a passion she developed through livestock and crop judging contests in FFA. Faith is a dynamic leader and served as the Mother Lode Sectional FFA Vice President. Faith plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Agricultural Business.

    Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep

    Juan is an eager and dedicated student who is actively involved in his school and community. Born in Mexico, Juan and his family immigrated to California in 2010. Juan will be the first in his family to achieve their dream of a college education. Juan is a devoted student and has maintained a 4.0 since the seventh grade, and recently received many awards for his scholastic achievements including Advanced Honor Roll, Exemplary Award, Most Improved, and Outstanding Academic Success. He has an exceptional work ethic and is intrinsically motivated by his desire for knowledge. Juan plans to attend Cal Poly, Pomona or San Diego State in the fall majoring in Hospitality and Tourism.

    Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School

    Julie is a goal-oriented student with a deep appreciation for the winegrape industry. Julie’s career path took shape when she completed her first Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in FFA working in a vineyard with her grandfather. She performed all tasks including tying grapes, pruning vines, and conducting sugar tests. Her experience in FFA helped shape her career goal to grow winegrapes and work as a grape processor. Julie is actively involved in sports, extracurricular activities, and community service projects while maintaining a 4.1 grade point average. Pursuing grape production is more than

    just a SAE project to Julie, it is a way to continue her family’s history – something she deeply values. Julie plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and major in Viticulture and Enology.

    TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH

    Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Edgar is the son of immigrant parents who pushed him to focus on his education and pursue a college degree. Edgar’s dedication to his studies and his exceptional critical thinking capabilities drive his aspirations to major in music and become an audio engineer. He is passionate about music production in all forms including music, movies, and video games. Edgar takes his education very seriously and is enamored with studying Spanish-speaking culture. Outside of school, Edgar volunteers at Ironman Triathlons because of his desire to help others and learn about the effort and commitment required to put on these events. Edgar values giving back to his community through volunteer activities. Edgar plans on attending Santa Rosa Junior College in the fall.

    ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1000

    David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School

    David is a tenacious, resilient, motivated, and hardworking student who has shown great leadership in his extracurricular activities at Mission Prep High School. David has a deep history in the agricultural industry, growing up on his family’s ranch, one that he hopes to continue as he gains knowledge and further understanding of the wine, farming, and business industries. David raised livestock and participated in 4-H since he was 5 years old and worked at multiple wineries in Paso Robles where he was able to explore different aspects of the industry. David plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture and Enology.

    Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School

    Mindy is a first-generation college student with a strong love for the winegrape industry that has been a part of her life since she was born. Her enthusiasm for the cultivation of winegrapes comes from working alongside her grandfather and father in the vineyard on the weekends. In high school, Mindy was a part of the Cabrillo High School Viticulture Program where she became the Vineyard Manager Lead. As the lead, Mindy managed the vineyard including identifying brix levels, tending to irrigation problems, pruning, and more. Mindy plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture & Enology to achieve her career goal of becoming a vineyard manager.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

    The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.

  • California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation Scholarship Applications Due March 4th

    Applications are now being accepted for scholarships awarded through the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation.

    Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a four-year or two-year school. These scholarships are available to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. In addition, one Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year.

    The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have demonstrated excellence across the board, from academic achievement and extracurricular activities to public service and community involvement. Selection criteria include scholastic ability, financial need, community service, leadership experience, and a personal essay.

    “The CAWG Foundation scholarships are a tribute to the families of employees who help make the winegrape and wine community a special part of California culture. The continuity of this scholarship program is made possible by the generous donations from the winegrape industry, and we express our gratitude to them,” remarked Davindar Mahil, the CAWG Foundation board of directors’ chair.

    Each year, three, 4-year scholarships are available at $8,000 each ($24,000 total) for students who plan to attend any campus in the University of California or California State University system. There are also three 2-year scholarships available at $2,000 each ($6,000 total) for students who plan to attend any California community college.

    The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship provides either $500 for Alan Hancock College or $1,000 for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (see the link below for this scholarship’s eligibility and study subject requirements).

    Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $554,500 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. Generous donations from CAWG members and the California wine community fund the scholarship program.

    Applications can be found at https://cawgfoundation.org/ and are due March 4, 2023.

  • California Association of Winegrape Growers Announces Natalie Collins as President

    California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Chairman Tom Slater announced today that the Board of Directors has named Natalie Collins the association’s president. Collins has served as Interim President since June 1, 2022, after the retirement of John Aguirre.

    “The Board is extremely grateful for the job Natalie has done for the past six months and is very excited she has accepted our offer to become the President of CAWG,” said Slater. “She has been a member of our CAWG family for seven years and brings with her an enormous amount of institutional knowledge. We look forward to Natalie sharing that knowledge with the Board and all its members.”

    “CAWG has a rich history of strong advocacy and commitment in representing California winegrape growers. It is an honor to accept this position as CAWG heads toward its 50th anniversary,” Collins said. “I look forward to helping our growers meet the many challenges we face in California, Washington D.C., and globally. With these challenges comes incredible opportunity for CAWG to be at the table in shaping public policy that will respect and advance our industry. I could not be more excited for this opportunity to lead CAWG’s efforts as the voice of California’s winegrape growers.”

    Over the last few months, Collins has led the CAWG team in Sacramento and guided the association’s partnership with the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) in preparation for the annual Unified Wine & Grape Symposium next month. She has also taken the point in CAWG’s advocacy efforts in Washington, DC.

    “Natalie has demonstrated in her work with CAWG that she has the skills necessary to not only lead a smooth transition, but also to create new opportunities for CAWG and our growers in the years to come,” concluded Slater.

    Collins joined CAWG in 2015 as the director of member relations and quickly established herself as integral to the advancement of the association. She is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business and minors in organizational communications and business administration. Before joining CAWG, she was a program director for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation and a 2015 Leadership Farm Bureau program graduate.

    Natalie resides in Lodi with her husband Kyle and their two children. 

  • California Association of Winegrape Growers Announces Natalie Collins as Interim President

    California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Chairman Tom Slater announced the appointment of Natalie Collins as interim president on July 27th. She replaces John Aguirre who retired after twelve years of service.

    “CAWG is very happy to have Natalie in this role,” Slater said. “She has been a part of the CAWG family for many years, and her insight and dedication to the association are well received. The CAWG board of directors looks forward to working with Natalie on all issues and appreciates her contributions toward the future success of our membership.”

    Collins said, “I am honored to serve as interim president and humbled by this opportunity. I look forward to continuing the legacy of strong leadership and advocacy on behalf of our growers. Winegrape growers in California today are facing unprecedented challenges, and I take seriously CAWG’s leadership role in this iconic industry.”

    Collins joined CAWG in 2015 as the director of member relations and quickly established herself as integral to the advancement of the association. She is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business and minors in organizational communications and business administration. Prior to joining CAWG, she was a program director for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation and a 2015 graduate of the Leadership Farm Bureau program.

    Natalie resides in Lodi with her husband Kyle and their two children.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • California’s Wine Community Recognizes October’s Farmer and Farmworker Month

    California is the country’s top agricultural producer and in October the state’s wine and winegrape growing community honors the farmers and farmworkers who nurture and harvest more than 400 crops – ranging from fruits, vegetables and nuts to more than 100 winegrape varieties.  

    “California Farmer and Farmworker Month is an important opportunity to recognize all those who work incredibly hard to bring the Golden State’s world class wine and agricultural products into the homes and communities across the state, the nation and the world,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO, Wine Institute.  

    California’s wine and winegrape industries are critical economic drivers for many communities and regions throughout our state, employing 325,000 Californians, paying $17.2 billion in wages annually and generating more than $57 billion in annual economic activity for the state of California.    

    The diversity of California’s vast growing regions, skill and experience of its growers and their commitment to sustainable winegrowing will ensure that California wine will continue to be a signature agricultural industry for the state into the future.   

    “California’s winegrape growers are proud to be an integral part of California’s farmer and farmworker community, dedicated to producing and harvesting quality goods through sound environmental practices and social responsibility,” said John Aguirre, president, California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG).   

    California’s winegrowers have a long history of embracing sustainable winegrowing practices through various programs such as the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program, Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) and other regional educational and certification programs, with more than 2,200 vineyards in California that are CCSW.   

    California’s Wine and Winegrape Growing Community   

    As the nation’s top wine producer, California makes up more than 80% of U.S. wine production and is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world. California is home to 620,000 acres of winegrapes, grown by more than 5,900 winegrape growers, with winegrapes grown in 49 of the state’s 58 counties.  

    Celebrate California Farmer and Farmworker Month and support California’s agricultural community by enjoying California-grown and produced wine, which pairs well with other California-grown crops. To learn about recipe ideas and California wine pairings, visit www.DiscoverCaliforniaWine.com    

    About Wine Institute   

    Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and by showcasing California’s wine regions as ideal destinations for food and wine travelers to the state. 

    About the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance
    The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 2003 by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers. CSWA’s mission is to encourage adoption of sustainable winegrowing practices and communicate the California wine industry’s global leadership through education, outreach, certification and partnerships.   

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers
    CAWG provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies, research and education programs, and sustainable farming practices to enhance the business of growing California winegrapes. Learn more at cawg.org.