Business View Magazine - Sept 2023

72 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 milestone, and we’re eagerly anticipating paying tribute to those growers who helped start the association and got us to where we are today.” Navigating Challenges and Innovating for the Future As the wine industry grapples with a myriad of challenges, CAWG remains cognizant of its immediate objectives. “With the reauthorization of the farm bill due in September, we’re channeling our efforts into securing funding for mechanization and automation research,” Collins shares. The devastating impact of wildfires in 2020, which led to over $601 million worth of winegrapes going unharvested, remains a significant concern. “It’s estimated that the industry lost over $3.5 billion from the wildfires during the 2020 harvest,” Collins reveals, underscoring the long-term effects still being felt today. The labor shortage is not unique to the winegrape industry but is a broader challenge affecting various sectors. “We have a much older workforce currently, and those aging out aren’t being replaced at the same rate,” Collins observes. While innovations have reduced labor needs in some areas, such as the shift to almost 95% mechanical harvest, the challenge persists. Supply chain disruptions have further complicated matters. “Growers faced difficulties procuring certain crop protection tools, and even steel for planting new vineyards,” Collins states. The winery side wasn’t spared either, grappling with shortages of glass, capsules, and corks. Despite the challenges, CAWG remains steadfast in its commitment to the winegrape community. As the association approaches its 50th anniversary in 2024, it remains a beacon of resilience, innovation, and community engagement in the California wine industry. With a legacy of supporting growers, fostering sustainable practices, and championing community initiatives, CAWG is poised to navigate the future’s uncertainties and celebrate many more milestones ahead.