The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of assistance for residents and agricultural producers affected by recent wildfires. As of today, wildfires have burned nearly 6.9 million acres across 11 states. More than 31,000 personnel from the local, state and federal levels are working to contain 61 large fires. The USDA Forest Service has more than 7,800 …

President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September 21 and run through December 11, 2020.  One of the exciting changes is that …

Wine Institute submitted formal comments today to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services urging them to preserve the long-standing guidance on alcohol consumption contained in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines (DGA). Since 1990, the DGA have recommended that adults who choose to consume alcohol should do so in moderation and defined this as no more than one …

With a passion for preserving California’s farmland, California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to share the results of those elected to serve our Board of Directors as well as new board member appointments. “We’re honored to have such well-known and well-respected individuals serve on the CFT board” shared Charlotte Mitchell, CFT Executive Director. “Our board members each bring professional skills …

Contents of the August Issue: The Best Place to Grow Pinot Noir Bill & Lauren Hipp Retire After a Joyous Experience Sustainable Vineyard Pest Management Experts Tell of Tech Innovations Coastal Wine Industry Struggles COVID-19 Market Favors Value-Priced Wines Heroine of the Vineyards Rhonda Smith Wraps up Career

The California Farmworker Foundation has launched a new campaign, La Seguridad Empieza con Usted, which translates to Safety Starts with You, to help the farmworker community stay safe through the pandemic by providing encouragement for best practices and information on additional resources. The campaign will reach farmworkers in the greater Bakersfield and Fresno growing regions. Advertisements on Spanish-language radio will …

On July 17th, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the appointment of 25 new members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees, including some of our friends in California. This will bring a greater voice and trade opportunities for specialty crop growers in California. The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of …

Due to concerns about COVID-19, organizers of the 2021 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium announced the event will be presented online as a virtual conference on January 26-28, 2021. In addition, the Unified will host a virtual trade show throughout the three days, with an additional half day on Friday, January 29, 2021, from 8 to 11 a.m. The Unified …

California’s congressional delegation wants winegrape growers to receive financial relief through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Beginning May 26, CFAP intended to provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to agricultural producers who suffered losses due to COVID-19 related market and supply chain disruptions. Winegrapes were not among the 43 commodities listed under CFAP …

Contents of the July Issue: Lost Draw Vineyards Lone Star Viticulture on Upward Course Spotted Lanternfly Threatens Grape Industry Industry Begins Organizing Defenses Against Vine-Killing Pest Post-bloom Vineyard Care Viticulture Experts Address Wisconsin & Minnesota Growers Ag Employers, Workers Approach Smoke Concerns UC Davis Examines Health & Safety Awareness