California Ag Network

Tag: grape grower

  • Untimely, New Law in California that Farm Employers Need to be Aware of

    California laws and regulations continue changing, often causing unnecessary hardships on businesses in the state. A new law has passed in California, effective January 1, 2025 (often referred to as the “Captive Audience Meetings” law) that farm employers need to be aware of. Ron Barsamian, legal advisor to the California Fresh Fruit Association, shared the details of this new law, The California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and how to safely navigate the changes. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • RBA Celebrates Gov’t Raisin Buys, Shares Factors that will Shape Grower Prices in 2025

    California raisin growers received the second highest price ever for this past year’s crop, which is much needed as growers fight inflating production costs. While the 2025 crop is in early development and growers are far from knowing what their return will look like postharvest, Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA) leaders Charles Salmon and Dwayne Cardoza visited with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share some of the factors that will shape raisin pricing moving forward, such as USDA purchases, foreign imports, etc… Watch this video and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.

  • Could Farmers Get a Tax Credit for Paying Employees Overtime?

    Could farmers in California get a tax credit for paying their employees to work overtime?  Other states have already implemented this to alleviate the pressures of inflating wage costs burdening ag employers. Watch this brief interview as Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) joins Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share how CAWG is working with the California Farm Bureau and Senator Shannon Grove through SB628 to support California ag employers and make this happen.
     

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.

  • Are Consumers Leaving Wine Behind in the Slew of Alternative Beverages and Social Trends?

    It’s no secret that the wine industry is struggling, but it’s been difficult for some to wrap their heads around the many forces driving the decline in wine sales, and knowing how to prosper in today’s market. Alcohol beverage analyst Danny Brager shared some insights on the social and marketing trends impacting today’s wine consumers at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. Watch this brief interview with Danny and read more about current wine market trends in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.

  • What Growers Should Know about the “New” National Raisin Company, After Chilean Purchase

    Many have heard rumors of a farming company out of Chile purchasing National Raisin Company, a dried fruit packer that has been serving the California raisin industry since 1969, founded by the Bedrosian brothers. To set the facts straight and introduce themselves to the industry, the Sutil family, new owners of National Raisin, recently gathered with growers in Fresno and shared their new vision for the long-established company. Watch this interview as Juan Sutil Jr. from Empresas Sutil S.A. meets with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss this vision and the future of National Raisin Company.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.

  • Why this Grape Grower Urges a Yes Vote on the Pierce’s Disease Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Referendum

    California wine grape growers have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue assessments to support the Pierce’s Disease Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Board. Ballots are being sent in the mail this month. Administered by CDFA and led by the wine grape industry for the last 25 years, this program funds research and activities to lessen the impact of threatening vineyard pests & diseases. Watch this brief interview with Lodi wine grape grower Aaron Lange as he shares with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network why he is voting “yes” on the referendum and explains what the Board has been working on that he finds so critical to the future of the industry.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.

  • What We can Learn from Recent Vineyard Planting Trends, or Lack Thereof

    Wine market issues have led to a major slowdown in grapevine planting activity in California over the last few years to the point that some of the top suppliers of planting material have recently determined to exit the market. At the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, Allied Grape Growers President Jeff Bitter shared the results of their annual grapevine nursery survey report, highlighting which varieties are still being planted and in what areas of the state. Watch this brief interview as Jeff shares with American Vineyard Editor Matthew Malcolm what growers can learn from these planting trends.

  • Historic, Low California Grape Crush Reported: Analysis with Turrentine Brokerage on American Vineyard Live (Recording)

    American Vineyard Magazine hosted a special livestream webcast on February 21st, featuring representatives from Turrentine Brokerage providing a detailed analysis on the 2024 CDFA Grape Crush Report. The webcast was recorded and can now be viewed for free here. Watch now as Turrentine representatives share key insights on using the results of the report to make informed, critical business decisions moving forward, with wine market perspectives from the North Coast, Central Coast, Northern Interior and Central Valley wine regions.

  • Signs of Stabilization in the Wine Market on the Horizon

    With the preliminary Crush Report revealing the lowest wine grape crush California has experienced in many years, and having heard from State of the Wine Industry panelists at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, including Glenn Proctor from Ciatti Company, growers and winemakers are still wondering when will things get better for the wine industry. Watch this brief video as Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network interviews Glenn sharing that hope is on the horizon based on new indicators in the global wine market. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Local Chefs at Whole Vine Festival Awarded for Innovative Use of California Table Grapes

    To support the local and innovative culinary use of grapes, the California Table Grape Commission sponsored a competition at the recent Whole Vine Festival, awarding cash prizes to the top three food trucks incorporating grapes from California on their menus. A $1,000 grand prize was awarded to Rice and Spice for their Thai Papaya (and grape) salad. Runner up $250 prizes went to Marcelino’s Wood Fired Pizza for their Whole Vine Pie (grape & balsamic glaze reduction drizzled over cheese blend topped with arugula and fresh sliced grapes) and their dessert pizza (with red grapes, brie and honey), and Madtown’s Burger & Tacos for their Grape Pollination Salad and PB&J Burger.  Watch this brief interview with Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau as she introduces the grand prize winner and shares more details with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network.