The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) requested state support for critical wine and viticulture research during today’s joint hearing of the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry and the Assembly Select Committee on Wine. The hearing – titled “Cultivating the Next Generation of Wine Industry Leaders and Emerging Markets in California” – covered the state of wine education and research, as well as emerging …

The National Association of Wine Retailers and Connecticut consumers have reasons to celebrate with Governor Ned Lamont’s signing of Senate Bill 647, which legalizes shipments of wine from out-of-state wine stores and wine retailers to residents of the state. The legislation, championed by Senator John Fonfara, means consumers may begin receiving wine shipments from some of America’s best wine retailers …

(Fresno, CA) – Today, Randy Giumarra, the Chairman of the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) Board of Directors announced that Ian LeMay will serve as the new president of CFFA. LeMay will succeed GeorgeRadanovich, who has held the position since 2016 and will be leaving CFFA to promote sound ag labor policy inWashington, DC. Chairman Giumarra stated “Ian’s appointment is …

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley, CA), the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus, announced today that Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Yakima Valley, WA) has been selected as the new Co-Chair of the Wine Caucus. Newhouse, a lifelong farmer and winegrape grower, represents the premier wine regions of Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley and the Walla Walla Valley. Newhouse will serve …

SAN FRANCISCO — Wine Institute announced the appointment of Honore Comfort as Vice President of International Marketing, effective April 8, 2019. Ms. Comfort brings extensive experience in international wine marketing, winery association management, brand strategy and wine export sales to the role. “Honore is a respected leader in the wine industry whose depth of experience will contribute to the continued growth of …

Professor Emerita Dr. Sara Spayd of North Carolina State University, Raleigh, has been selected to receive the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) Merit Award for 2019. Dr. Spayd will be presenting the Merit Award Presentation, “Grape and Wine Industry, Research, Extension and Education: It Takes Villages,” at the 70th ASEV National Conference on June 20, 2019 in Napa, …

California Farm Service Agency Stands Ready to Assist Agricultural Producers Slammed by Recent Heavy Rains  California Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers across the state of federal farm program benefits that may be available to help eligible producers recover from recent heavy rains and flooding. FSA offers disaster assistance and low-interest loan programs to assist agricultural producers in …

(Santa Barbara, CA) – The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) kicked off their new fiscal year yesterday during the Annual Membership Meeting at their 83rd Annual Meeting in Santa Barbara, California. The event featured the election of the Board of Directors and Chairman, as well as industry and committee updates. The Board of Directors is made up of 44 men …

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that many Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will reopen temporarily in the coming days to perform certain limited services for farmers and ranchers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recalled about 2,500 FSA employees to open offices on Thursday, January 17 and Friday, January 18, in addition to Tuesday, January 22, …