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, tree fruit and berry communities. Started in 1936, the League advocates for its members on governmental, legislative and policy issues.

MONTHLY UPDATE
FROM LEAGUE PRESIDENT
Barry Bedwell

When the members of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League put together their “Top Ten Issues” for 2010, “Invasive Pest Issues and Quarantines” was listed at number 5.
[Read the full update]
[View previous messages]

MEMBERSHIP CORNER 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.

ACTION ALERTS
Take action on this current issue.

7/28/2010
SB 1121 VETOED
After much deliberation and discussion on SB 1121 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today vetoed the ag overtime legislation authored by Senator Dean Florez (D-Shafter).
(source: CGTFL MEMBER MEMO)

7/21/2010
SB 1121 VETO REQUEST
Take action on SB 1121 today!
(source: LEAGUE MEMBER ACTION ALERT)

6/28/2010
INDUSTRY TRAINING JUNE 30TH – NEW ZEALAND COLD TREATMENT SPECIFICATIONS
In an effort to provide industry with the support necessary to successfully implement this treatment, the League has contracted with International Refrigeration Support (IRS), Warren Thompson to provide members interested with the training and software support necessary for an in-transit cold treatment. Training is scheduled for 10am, Wednesday, June 30th.
(source: CGTFL ACTION ALERT)

5/28/2010
CDFA NOTICE FOR REQUIRED CARTON MARKINGS FOR EUROPEAN GRAPEVINE MOTH (EGVM) IMPACTED COUNTIES
CDFA has developed procedures for growers, packers, shippers and transporters in requiring compliance agreements for industry who are handling host commodities produced within the EGVM restricted area.
(source: CGTFL ACTION ALERT)

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

EGVM NEWS AND UPDATES
Find the most recent news and updates here

6/28/2010
EUROPEAN GRAPEVINE MOTH - CANADIAN IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Following the announcement of Canada’s new import requirements regarding European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) regulated areas, and when mandatory phytosanitary certification is necessary for export into all of Canada, members have reported receiving conflicting information from the retailer/importer community this past week.

6/22/2010
FEDERAL ORDER FOR GRAPES
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)issued a Federal Order, effective immediately, which establishes quarantine areas for portions of Fresno, Lake, Mendocino,Merced, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties in California for the European Grapevine Moth (EGVM).

6/21/2010
UPDATE – CANADIAN IMPORT REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE TODAY
The League worked with USDA APHIS this morning to further amend and clarify Canada’s recent import announcement regarding requirements for secondary hosts from EGVM areas.

6/9/2010
EUROPEAN GRAPEVINE MOTH (EGVM) UPDATE AND ANNOUNCEMNET OF AVAILABILITY OF NRCS FUNDS
In mid-May we informed our members in Fresno County with tree fruit of an establishment of a regulated area within Fresno County for EGVM and that compliance agreements had been developed for fruits other than grapes.

For more EGVM News/Updates click here...

THE LEAGUE'S BIWEEKLY NEWSLETTER

7/23/2010
SB 1121 DEBATE WAGED IN MEDIA, CAPITOL
The Sacramento Bee published an op-ed piece by Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) on SB 1121 and followed up on July 10 with their editorial supporting the bill.

7/23/2010
FLOREZ’ HEARING FOCUSES ON STATE HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION STANDARD
On July 14, Sen. Dean Florez chaired an oversight hearing of the Senate Food and Agriculture Committee and the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee to review the state’s current standard on heat illness.

7/23/2010
EGVM UPDATE
As you know, a Federal Quarantine Order for the European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) has been established in the state and includes parts of southeast Fresno. At present, the detection and eradication focus is being placed on the emergence of the “second generation flight” of EGVM. A single generation can be completed within 30-32 days. According to Fresno County Deputy Ag Commissioner Tye Hafner, the second and third generations of EGVM are the most damaging.

7/23/2010
WEBSITE EXPOSES “DIRTY DOZEN LIST”
According to a July 15 media release from the Alliance for Food and Farming, a new website was launched to educate consumers about an alternative perspective on pesticide residues and the need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Read this week's entire issue (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)

IN THE NEWS
News coverage on relevant issues and concerns

7/28/2010
CARDOZA INTRODUCES "GROWN IN AMERICA" ACT FOR PRIDE IN AGRICULTURE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dennis Cardoza said he introduced the Grown in America Act today in the U.S. Congress. The bill encourages both consumers and producers to show their pride for American agriculture. Specifically, H.Res. 1558 encourages producers to display the American flag on U.S.-grown product labels, the congressman said in a news release.

7/28/2010
SCHWARZENEGGER TO VETO FARMWORKER OT BILL
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to veto legislation that would give workers on California farms to the same overtime pay standards as most labor forces, the bill's author said today.

7/25/2010
DON'T BELIEVE CRITICS OF NEW PESTICIDE
As an author on the patents and the person who first proposed the use of methyl iodide as a soil fumigant, I am writing to address the coverage that has stemmed from the proposed registration of methyl iodide for use as a fumigant in California.

5/31/2010
POIZNER, WHITMAN FIGHT FOR SUPPORT IN VALLEY
Fresno Republican voter Deena Papagni has been following the governor's race closely for at least two months. But she still can't make up her mind.

For more news coverage click here...

Ripe peaches ready for harvest in Reedley

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