California Ag Network

Tag: CAWG

  • CAWG Applauds Federal Funding for Smoke Exposure Research

    SACRAMENTO, June 4, 2019 – The House Appropriations Committee on June 4 approved a bill that includes $1.5 million in research funding to address issues related to smoke exposed wine grapes. The committeeapproved the fiscal year 2020 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and RelatedAgencies bill on a 29 to 21 vote.

    “We appreciate the committee’s decision to fund smoke exposure research and I want to commend, inparticular, the leadership of California Reps. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) to obtain these funds,” said California Association of Wine grape Growers (CAWG) President John Aguirre.

    CAWG and other industry organizations from California, Oregon and Washington originally requested $5 millionfor smoke exposure research. These groups will continue to push for the full $5 million as the U.S. Senate workson its bill to fund the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and related agencies.

    Additional information:

    House Appropriations Committee approves funding bill (June 4)
    https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-approves-fiscal-year-2020-agriculture-rural-development

    House Appropriations Committee releases funding bill (May 22)
    https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-releases-fiscal-year-2020-agriculture-rural-development

    Media contacts:
    ·John Aguirre, (916) 379-8995, john@cawg.org
    ·Meredith Ritchie, (916) 984-4473, meredith@cawg.org

     

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $30,000 in Student Scholarships

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $30,000 in college scholarships to nine students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California wine grape grower.

    “We are excited about the amazing students we honored with scholarships this year,” said Steve Heringer, chair of the CAWG Foundation board of directors. “Each of our scholarship award winners has shown tremendous focus, tenacity and accomplishment in pursuit of their educational goals. The CAWG Foundation is pleased to help these inspirational young adults reach their academic dreams and believes they can accomplish great things for themselves, their families and communities in the future.”

    Each year the CAWG Foundation board selects at least seven recipients from high schools throughout the state. Scholarship selection is based on scholastic ability, financial need, community involvement, leadership and a 500-word essay. Since the program’s inception in 1998, the foundation has awarded $433,000 in scholarships. Funds are raised through the generous donations of members of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the California wine community.

    The four-year scholarships are $8,000 each for students attending a University of California or California State University campus. An additional $4,000 scholarship was awarded this year to a high-caliber applicant. The two-year college scholarships are $2,000 each for students attending a California community college.

    The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship was created by the family of Bob Miller, a California wine industry leader who helped establish the Central Coast as a leading wine grape growing region. The scholarship invests in the future of Central Coast students who plan to study viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and pursue a career in the region’s wine grape industry. This year, scholarships were awarded to two Cal Poly-bound students.

    2018 CAWG FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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

    Juan Rosa Guardado, Firebaugh, Firebaugh High School

    Liliana Villeda, Tulare, Tulare Western High School

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipient / $4,000

    Nancy Gonzalez Andrade, Cloverdale, Geyserville New Tech Academy

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipients / $2,000 each

    Gloria Ramirez Barrera, Yuba City, Yuba City High School

    Luis Herrera, Ione, Argonaut High School

    Yuri Terrones, San Andreas, Calaveras High School

    Mariana Albor Villagomez, Santa Rosa, Analy High School

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipients / $1,000 each

    Samantha Grisaffi, Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Grande High School

    Chloe Kline, Modesto, Thomas Downey High School

    ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS

    Below are excerpts from the students’ essays and letters of recommendation:

    Juan Rosa Guardado, Firebaugh, Firebaugh High School

    Juan and his family moved to the U.S. from El Salvador to obtain a better standard of living. Financial and other difficulties did not deter his enthusiasm to learn and desire to excel. He worked diligently to succeed – taking nearly every AP class offered – and is now ranked No. 1 in his class with a 4.4 GPA. Juan is a member of the Academic Decathlon, California Scholarship Federation and FFA, and he volunteers for a migrant program that assists families. “Juan’s abilities and dedication as a student leave me no doubt about his ability to succeed at any college he should choose to attend,” his teacher wrote. Juan plans to attend UC Merced and major in computer science and engineering with a minor in business. “I aspire to achieve my goals and to share my success with my community despite the economic difficulties I will have to conquer,” Juan wrote.

    Liliana Villeda, Tulare, Tulare Western High School

    Liliana is the daughter of Mexican immigrant field workers who faced financial hardship. Life’s circumstances propelled her to go above and beyond academically and surpass intellectual expectations. Liliana has a 4.4 GPA, is ranked No. 1 in her class and has received numerous academic and FFA awards. Over the past four years she been an active member of FFA, a California Scholarship Federation member and a volunteer for numerous organizations. She has balanced school and extracurricular activities with a job throughout high school. “Liliana will use her education to build a successful life for herself, but also to build up her community,” her teacher wrote. Liliana plans to attend UCLA and major in human biology (pre-medicine). “I would be extremely grateful if awarded this money because it would prove that hard work, dedication and dreaming big ultimately pay off,” Liliana wrote.

    Nancy Gonzalez Andrade, Cloverdale, Geyserville New Tech Academy

    Nancy has seen how her immigrant parents have worked hard, struggled financially, handled a serious health issue and made sacrifices for the family. She has developed a strong desire to persevere and succeed – for herself and her family. Nancy is a straight-A student who is actively involved with the California Scholarship Federation, student council, MEChA, the school newspaper and yearbook, and sports. She also participates in the Upward Bound Program at Sonoma State University and as a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club. “Nancy’s personal strengths are as impressive as her intellectual accomplishments,” her teacher wrote. Nancy would like to attend UC Davis, major in neuroscience and explore a career as a psychiatrist or neurologist. “Attending college will help me expand my academic knowledge, gain new experiences, set a positive example for my younger sisters and make my parents proud,” Nancy wrote.

    Gloria Ramirez Barrera, Yuba City, Yuba City High School

    Gloria was three years old when her family moved from Mexico to the United States. She was always taught that education is a gateway to success. Since a young age she has applied herself academically and has worked hard for the past four years to be on the honor roll. Gloria is involved in the Spanish Honor Society and MEChA, a student organization through which she volunteers in her community. She has held a job in agriculture for the past year to help save for college. “It is evident that Gloria cares deeply and is committed to all she sets her mind to,” her school counselor wrote. Gloria became interested in a science-related career in seventh grade. She plans to attend Yuba College, transfer to Chico State to major in biology, and become a forensic scientist. “Attending college is truly something I feel passionate about and hope to achieve,” Gloria wrote.

    Luis Herrera, Ione, Argonaut High School

    Luis is an ambitious and well-rounded student who has taken advantage of many opportunities in and outside of school. A 4-year honor roll student, he has been a member of the Art Club, Catholic Club and Link Crew, which helps freshmen feel more welcome at school. Luis volunteers as a school office assistant and at his church. In addition, he played recreational soccer for many years and participated on cross country and track teams. “Luis is a reliable, courteous and hard-working student. He is most deserving of this scholarship opportunity,” his teacher wrote. Luis has also gained real-world experience working for vineyard operations. His goals are to become an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force Reserves and pursue a college education. “I am aware of the opportunities that await me…as well as the hours of studying and hard work in order to achieve my goals, and I am proud to say I am ready,” Luis wrote.

    Yuri Terrones, San Andreas, Calaveras High School

    Yuri is constantly trying to improve herself with extracurricular activities, academics or volunteering at her church’s bible school. She has been actively involved in FFA for four years – raising sheep, attending conferences and achieving degrees and awards. One of her biggest accomplishments is that she qualified to receive her California State FFA degree, which requires over 500 hours of project work. “Yuri has set goals for herself, and I know without a doubt that she will achieve them,” her teacher wrote. Yuri’s parents did not have the opportunity to attend college and thus faced struggles in their personal and professional lives. So, she understands the value of education and intends to pursue a career in cosmetology and interior design. “For me and my family, it would be an honor to attend Butte Community College and be one step closer to my dreams,” she wrote.

    Mariana Albor Villagomez, Santa Rosa, Analy High School

    Mariana did not speak English when she moved to the U.S. four years ago. But since then, she has embraced academics and volunteering in her community. She volunteers for the Work Ready Program, as a math and English tutor, and as the president of her high school’s MEChA club. “Her commitment to her community and her academic success has made her a role model,” Mariana’s teacher wrote. She is now the only one in her family who has the chance to pursue higher education. Mariana’s goal is to attend Santa Rosa Junior College, transfer to Sonoma State University and eventually become a Spanish teacher. “I want to continue my education to become an inspiration to the Latino community and other Latino students who may have the same struggles as me,” Mariana wrote.

    Samantha Grisaffi, Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Grande High School

    Samantha has demonstrated a strong work ethic balancing school, volunteer activities and a job. She credits her parents for showing her that with hard work comes success. Samantha has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school while showing her leadership through Link Crew and the LGBTQ+ Club. She also donates blood as a way to give back to those in need. “I find it very inspiring to see a young adult so focused on life in order to become the best she can be,” her school librarian wrote. Samantha plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, major in wine and viticulture, and someday work at a winery and grow grapes. “I am passionate about the field of wine and viticulture because of the many different processes to grow and transform grapes into wine. This scholarship will help with…pursuing my dreams in this field of study,” Samantha wrote.

    Chloe Kline, Modesto, Thomas Downey High School

    Chloe has shown resilience despite her family enduring setbacks with employment and a house fire. She has remained focused on academics, sports, activities and volunteerism. A scholar athlete, Chloe has maintained a high GPA while participating on the water polo and swim teams the past four years. She also serves as an assistant coach for the girls’ swim team. Chloe is a member of the California Scholarship Federation, Blue Crew Club and other school clubs, and she volunteers in her community. “I have no doubt that whatever she ends up doing she will bring her intelligence and passion into the work,” her teacher wrote. Chloe has been accepted into Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s wine and viticulture program and wants to continue her family’s farming history by pursuing a career at a Central Coast winery. “My community and school helped me discover my passion for agriculture and leadership,” Chloe wrote.

  • CA Groundwater Legislative Update from CAWG

    California State Legislature never ceases to keep growers on their toes with new proposals, laws & regulations coming down the pipeline — many of which are detrimental to our agricultural industry, but with all the confusion of the evolving legislation pending in Sacramento with regards to groundwater management, it’s great to have organizations like the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) to keep us current on what’s going on in the political arena and how it will impact our growers. Watch this brief update with Michael Miiller, director of Government Relations at CAWG for some important information on CA groundwater.

  • Wine Industry Reflects on Emerging Issues, Trends, and Recent Fires Shaping Future, at Unified Symposium

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 29, 2018) – Every facet of the wine industry, from research and science to trends and markets, was examined, discussed and debated at the 24th Unified Wine & Grape Symposium (Unified), which wrapped up here today. The largest wine show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, the Unified drew thousands of industry professionals from all over the world eager to hear about the impact of recent fires, trends, technology, research and issues shaping their business decisions.

    Presented by two nonprofit organizations, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), the Unified’s prestige highlights the wine industry’s critical need for information, discussion and connections.

    “This was an extraordinarily successful show for our attendees. The Unified offers growers, winery professionals and suppliers the best opportunity to understand and learn how to take advantage of shifting consumer preferences, advances in technology and new businesses trends. If you want to understand what’s happening in the industry and how to stay competitive, the Unified is the place to be,” said John Aguirre, CAWG president.

    Put on by the industry for the industry, the three-day show draws on some of the most respected industry experts. The three-days of symposiums included 23 presentations and panel discussions organized by a diverse panel of volunteers who recruited more than 90 experts to speak on topics ranging from wildfires and wine to vineyard mechanization. Complementing those talks was a two-day 170,000 square foot trade show that housed nearly 700 exhibitors.

    “While we bill ourselves as a wine show for the Americas, we draw an audience of nearly 14,000 from all over the globe, including exhibitors from nearly 30 countries, with a diversity of languages animating the trade show floor,” says ASEV Executive Director Dan Howard. “You can feel the collective energy on the exhibit floor and registration halls where wine industry professionals greet each other, discuss the latest news and share strategies for staying abreast of changing markets, technologies and regulations.”

    In 2019, the Unified will return to the Sacramento Convention Center from January 29-31. Immediately following the 2019 show, the Sacramento Convention Center will undergo a large-scale renovation necessitating a move in 2020. From February 4-6, Sacramento’s Cal Expo will serve as the temporary host site in 2020, where organizers say the ample space, parking and facilities offer an ideal alternative site.

    “Cal Expo as a premier agricultural showcase is excited to host the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in 2020,” says Rick Pickering, CEO and General Manager of Cal Expo and State Fair.  “We look forward to working with Unified to make the transition extremely smooth and the 2020 show a huge success.”

    The organizers of the Unified share that optimism.  “We are confident that, while the 2020 show will have a slightly different feel, the quality of exhibits, presentations and networking opportunities will again deliver an invaluable service to all of our guests and the industry,” says Howard. “We’re excited to see the newly renovated center and plan to return to the Sacramento Convention Center in 2021.”

    For more information, visit the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium website at www.unifiedsymposium.org.

  • Winemaker Gina Gallo of E. & J. Gallo Winery to Keynote at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

    SACRAMENTO, CA, November 20, 2017 – Third generation winegrower and artisan winemaker Gina Gallo of E. & J. Gallo Winery will deliver the keynote luncheon speech on opening day of the 2018 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium on Tuesday, January 23, in Sacramento at the Sheraton Grand.
    “As a member of one of America’s historic winemaking families, Gina embodies a sense of tradition, family legacy, craft and business acumen that transcends generations and inspires future growth amongst colleagues,” says John Aguirre, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), a co-organizer of the event along with the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV).
    Gina Gallo oversees the Gallo Signature Series and Ernest & Julio Gallo Estate wines. In her role, she is intimately engaged with the Gallo family’s premier estate vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Monterey counties. As the Senior Director of Winemaking, she views winemaking as both a creative expression of the land and as a demonstration of the unique qualities of a specific vintage. Her values stem from her family’s entrepreneurial history, using her experience and creative vision to craft luxury wines from her favorite blocks from the family’s estate vineyards.
    Gallo was a 2016 inductee to the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America. Fortune magazine named her one of the “Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink,” and she was named #17 on Decanter magazine’s “Power List” of the most important men and women in wine. She is a board member of the American Farmland Trust, which works to preserve agricultural land, and Taste of the NFL, which raises funds and awareness for food banks and anti-hunger initiatives.
    Unified’s Tuesday keynote luncheon was first introduced in 2014 and has since become a feature of the Unified Symposium. Tuesday also includes a welcome reception in the late afternoon — an added benefit with every general registration. 
    The 2018 Unified Symposium will again take place at the Sacramento Convention Center, located in downtown Sacramento, January 23-25.
    Built with the joint input of growers, vintners and allied industry members, the Unified Symposium serves as a clearinghouse of information important to wine and grape industry professionals. The Unified Symposium also hosts the industry’s largest trade show of its kind, with over 650 vendors displaying their products and services. For additional information, visit www.unifiedsymposium.org.

  • Wildfires in Wine Country

    CAWGThe California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is saddened by the loss of lives, structures and property due to wildfires in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

    We share our deepest sympathies with the thousands of people who have been and will be affected by this tragedy. We are grateful to the firefighters, first responders and community members who are helping to protect lives and property.

    “In the coming days, we will have a clearer picture of the extent of damage that has occurred to vineyards and wineries and the response needed to aid recovery,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “Until then, our thoughts and prayers go to all of those impacted by this unfolding disaster and to the men and women who are bravely battling these fires.”

    CAWG will work with members of the California congressional delegation, key federal officials and other wine industry organizations to ensure adequate resources are provided for disaster response and recovery efforts.

    Below you will find resources for crop and property insurance claims, as well as simple ways you can lend a helping hand to those affected by the fires.

    Crop Insurance Claims

    If you have a Federal Crop Insurance Policy in place, there may be multiple reasons for calling in a notice of potential loss to your agent:

    • Direct Damage: If you have encountered direct damage to your vineyard, resulting in lost crop due to fire, you should immediately contact your crop insurance agent to report the loss. Direct damage, such as fire, to a crop is a covered cause of loss.
    • Smoke Taint: The smoke in the air can cause smoke taint rendering the affected crop a total loss, partial loss or possible quality loss. If you suspect that smoke taint may become a reality in your vineyard, again, you should notify your crop insurance agent immediately to report the potential damage. Smoke taint can be a covered cause of loss, however there are certain conditions that must be met in order for a claim to be viable. Click here to learn more about what to do in the case of potential damage from smoke taint.
    • Inability to Harvest: If you are precluded from being able to harvest your crop, due to wildfire inhibiting your access to your vineyard; you could have a potential cause of loss. While rare, this could very well be the case for some who may not be able to reach their vineyard for some period of time. If you are unable to access your vineyard, it is best that you reach out to your crop insurance agent to notify them of the situation.

    Keep in mind, crop insurance only covers the crop, not the vines. Even if you have the slightest possibility of damage, you should contact your agent immediately. Also, remember that a payable claim is ultimately dependent on your insurable acreage, average yields, coverage levels, prices per ton and guarantees of the policy.

    > How to file a Federal Crop Insurance Claim – Do’s and Don’ts

    To find out more, or if we can help direct you to a preferred insurance provider,

    please contact the CAWG office at 916.379.8995.

    Property Loss Claims

    After a loss has occurred, you will be facing many problems you probably have not confronted before. It may be helpful to keep the following in mind:

    • Contact Your Insurance Agent Or Insurance Company As Soon As Possible- Your insurance agent will gather the information necessary to file a claim with your insurance company on your behalf. If you do not have an insurance agent, contact your insurance company.
    • Protect Property From Further Damage: When it is possible and safe to do so- prevent further damage to your property by covering broken windows, damaged roofs and walls. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs. If your business or home has sustained extensive damage, please do not go back inside until cleared to do so by emergency personnel.
    • Take Photos of the Damaged Property and Prepare an Inventory of Property Damaged
    • Business Income Coverage- If you have Business Income coverage, it may provide protection against certain financial losses that are sustained if your business is unable to operate due to a covered loss.
    • Loss of Use Coverage: Your Farm or Homeowner’s policy includes a limit for Loss of Use. This coverage is intended to assist with temporary housing and additional living expenses if you are unable to occupy your home after a covered loss. Make certain to retain all receipts for these expenses for remittance to your claims adjuster.

    How to help evacuees of fires…

    If you are searching for ways to assist those affected by the fires, here are some options to lend a helping hand:

    As always, please contact the CAWG office if there is any way we can be of assistance.

  • CAWG Statement on Wine Country Wildfires

    SACRAMENTO, October 10, 2017 – The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is saddened by the loss of lives, structures and property due to wildfires in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
    CAWG

    We share our deepest sympathies with the thousands of people who have been and will be affected by this tragedy. We are grateful to the firefighters, first responders and community members who are helping to protect lives and property.

    “In the coming days, we will have a clearer picture of the extent of damage that has occurred to vineyards and wineries and the response needed to aid recovery,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “Until then, our thoughts and prayers go to all of those impacted by this unfolding disaster and to the men and women who are bravely battling these fires.”

    CAWG will work with members of the California congressional delegation, key federal officials and other wine industry organizations to ensure adequate resources are provided for disaster response and recovery efforts.

  • Al Scheid, CAWG 2017 Leader of the Year Tribute

    The 2017 “Leader of the Year Award”, given by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), was awarded to Salinas Valley wine grape grower Al Scheid from Scheid Vineyards Inc. Al was greatly instrumental in the formation of both CAWG and the CA Grape Crush Report, among many other accomplishments throughout his many years of service in the industry. Watch this video presentation from the CAWG Summer Conference to learn more about this grape industry leader.

    Sponsored By:

    Calagnet & YARA

  • LangeTwins, CAWG 2017 Grower of the Year Tribute

    The “Grower of the Year Award”, the highest honor of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) went to Brad and Randy Lange this year, as celebrated at the CAWG Summer Conference. Watch this video tribute presentation for the two star growers behind LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards.

    Sponsored By:

    Calagnet & YARA

  • 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.