California Grape & Tree Fruit League

The California Grape & Tree Fruit League is a voluntary public policy organization that represents the interests and concerns of the state’s fresh grape and tree fruit communities. Started in 1936, the League advocates for its members on governmental, legislative and policy issues within the industry.

Flame seedless grapes in Delano

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Weekly update from League President
Barry Bedwell

Earlier this month, we sent out a list of 20 issues to our Board of Directors with the intent to have them select the ten most important for this calendar year. Here are the results:
[Read the full update]
[Previous week's messages]

THE LEAGUE'S BIWEEKLY NEWSLETTER

3/19/2010
BROWN DECLARES GOVERNOR CANDIDACY
On March 2, Attorney General Jerry Brown officially announced that he is running to become the next Governor of California.

3/5/2010
CARD CHECK AND AGRICULTURE OVERTIME BILLS INTRODUCED
On February 19, Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) introduced this year’s card check version, SB 1474.

3/5/2010
UNITED GR COUNCIL MEETING, CONGRESSIONAL VISITS FOCUS OF DC TRIP
League President Barry Bedwell and Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs Christopher Valadez traveled to Washington, DC last week for the United Fresh Produce Association’s Government Relations Council meeting. Key topics of discussion included immigration reform, food safety, card check and child nutrition.

3/5/2010
MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY INTERIOR STATE QUARANTINE – TAIWAN TRANSIT REQUIREMENTS

Read this week's entire issue (PDF)...

IN THE NEWS
News coverage on relevant issues and concerns

2/4/2010
MEXICAN FRUIT, VEGETABLE TARIFFS DRAGGING EXPORTS DOWN
Tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico over the past 11 months are weighing on sales, and a coalition of industry advocates and sympathetic Democratic lawmakers are pushing the Obama administration to solve the Mexican truck dispute that caused the trade friction.

2/2/2010
NEW FIELD BURNING RULES TOO COSTLY, VINEYARDS SAY
A long-awaited deadline for a ban on open-field burning in the San Joaquin Valley is coming June 1. But many vineyard owners say they can’t afford to follow the rule.

1/7/2010
DPR REPORTS PESTICIDE USE DECLINED AGAIN IN 2008
Pesticide use declined in California for a third consecutive year in 2008, Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Mary-Ann Warmerdam announced today.

12/18/2009
DECADE OF WORK PAYS OFF WITH WIC PRODUCE VOUCHERS
The inclusion of fruit and vegetable vouchers in the Women, Infant and Children feeding program this fall is arguably the most decisive federal nutrition policy win for the fruit and vegetable industry, but state officials and industry leaders are waiting to see exactly how big the dividends will be.

For more news coverage click here...

Ripe peaches ready for harvest in Reedley

ACTION ALERTS
Take action on this current issue.

3/5/2010
IRRIGATION PERFORMANCE SUMMIT SET FOR MARCH 19 AT FRESNO STATE
PureSense Environmental Inc. is hosting an educational event for growers that will focus on water-use efficiency.
(source: PureSense Environmental)

12/10/2009
PRODUCE TRACEABILITY SURVEY LAUNCHED -- YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
Courtesy of the United Fresh Produce Association (United), an online survey on the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) implementation has been developed to provide administering associations feedback to assess PTI implementation to date and help identify additional support needs.
(source: United Fresh Produce Association)

11/25/2009
AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT SURVEY
Your help is needed ... the California Grape & Tree Fruit League and other agricultural organizations are asking our members to complete the attached questionnaire regarding self-propelled off-road agricultural equipment that is 25hp or greater.
(source: CGTFL)

10/1/2009
TAKE ACTION ON MEXICAN TARIFF ISSUE
Status Update on US-Mexico Trucking Dispute and Guidelines for Official Correspondence on the Mexico Tariff on Table Grapes
(source: CGTFL)

LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Positions take by the Board of Directors on current legislative proposals.
Click here for the current legislative report (PDF)

TRANSPORTATION REPORT
A weekly report on rates and availability, courtesy of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
Click here for the current transportation report (PDF)

MEMBERSHIP CORNER
The 2008/09 FY Annual Report is available to League members. Contact Membership Director Gabrielle Kirkland at for a copy.

Have an idea for next year’s CGTFL Annual Report? We are looking for great ideas to highlight the year. Contact

Refer a colleague: the League needs your referrals for potential new members. All we need is contact information and we will take care of the rest.

California Grape & Tree Fruit League
978 W. Alluvial, Suite 107, Fresno, CA 93711 | Phone 559.226.6330 Fax 559.222.8326
© 2009 California Grape & Tree Fruit League