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

1/29/2010
TOP TEN ISSUES FOR THE CALIFORNIA GRAPE & TREE FRUIT LEAGUE
Welcome to the California Grape and Tree Fruit League’s website. We hope you find the information here valuable and we encourage you to contact us with suggestions on how to make it even better.

1/22/2010
JANUARY BOARD MEETING
Chairman Marko S. Zaninovich (Marko Zaninovich, Inc.) conducted the January Board of Directors’ meeting in Indian Wells on January 21.

1/22/2010
ROSS PROMOTED TO USDA COS
Karen Ross, former president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), accepted a Washington, DC based position to serve as a Senior Advisor to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack in December 2009.

1/22/2010
INDEFINITE TWO GATES DELAY
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, questions remain over the feasibility of the “Two-Gates” project and whether it would increase water deliveries through the pumps.

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

IN THE NEWS
News coverage on relevant issues and concerns

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.

11/23/2009
NON-PARTISAN STATE ANALYST EXPECTS FUTURE DEFICITS
The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released its 2010/11 fiscal outlook report on the state budget on November 18 and estimates that between now and the time the Legislature enacts a 2010/11 state budget plan the budget will be projected to contain $6.3 billion deficit for 2009/10 and a $14.4 billion gap between projected revenues and spending in 2010/11.

For more news coverage click here...

Ripe peaches ready for harvest in Reedley

ACTION ALERTS
Take action on this current issue.

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