Tag: American Vineyard Magazine

  • 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.

  • Rising Fruit Fly Populations Concern California Growers

    Fruit fly populations spiked last season and brought multiple species, compounding the damage to vineyards and orchards following Hurricane Hilary.  This is a continued concern for California fruit growers moving into the 2024 season with limited pest management tools available. Watch this brief California Ag Network interview with Adam Borchard from the California Fresh Fruit Association to learn more.

  • Compost Tax Credit Bill for California Farmers Progresses Through Legislature

    California growers investing in compost to boost soil fertility on the farm may soon reap additional benefits in the form of a tax credit. Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) joined Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share how this promising CAWG-sponsored bill is currently making its way through legislature. Watch this brief video to learn more.

  • CAWG Pushes Legislation to Streamline Ag Employee Housing

    California ranks last in both housing affordability and availability, compared to the rest of the United States. This is having a major impact on California farm workers who are having to commute long distances to get to work or are otherwise struggling to get by. Watch this brief interview with Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers as they push for legislative support to streamline the permitting process for on-farm ag employee housing. Read more about it in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • New California Fresh Fruit Association President Highlights Priorities

    Watch this brief video at the 88th annual conference of the California Fresh Fruit Association featuring the organization’s new President, Daniel Hartwig. Learn about Hartwig and the priorities of the organization moving forward to protect the interests of California table grape, tree fruit and berry growers.

  • Madera Irrigation District Leads the Charge on Groundwater Recharge

    While farmers are accustomed to paying for the water they use, growers in Madera Irrigation District have recently been getting their water for free for groundwater recharge purposes.  While the snow melts and water is aplenty, growers are working quickly to set their farms up to be able to spread some of this water across their fields, in a ditch, or a basin to replenish their groundwater supply.  This not only serves to benefit the farmer, but the entire community as well.  Watch this video with Thomas Greci, General Manager of the Madera Irrigation District as he explains.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • New Farm Bill May Incentivize On-Farm Ag Tech Innovations

    Just as the previous Farm Bill has supported farmers with cost-share programs like EQIP to improve their sustainability, the specialty crop sector of ag is pushing for the coming Farm Bill to support on-farm ag tech innovations in a similar way.  Watch this brief interview with California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • California Farmland to Serve State in Recharging Groundwater Supply

    The Governor of California recently issued an Executive Order allowing local water districts to utilize floodwater for groundwater recharge purposes, a record amount of which will take place on California farmland.  This is desperately needed and welcomed by farmers and other water users all over the state that have suffered decades of drought conditions.  Watch this brief interview with Adam Borchard from the California Fresh Fruit Association for more insight on what the announcement entails.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • Reinforcing Buy American Food Act in California School Districts

    Finding that California school districts have not been following the Buy American Act regarding food purchases, Ag Council of California sponsored legislation to reinforce the provision with successful results.  Watch this brief interview with Emily Rooney, President of Ag Council, for more details and how this will support California agriculture and the local economy.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Changing Labor Laws & Regulations Ag Employers Need to Know

    As California farmers prepare for the New Year, there are some labor-related changes to laws and regulations that ag employers need to be aware of.  Watch this brief interview with Adam Borchard from the California Fresh Fruit Association as he explains, based on his recent presentation at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.