THIRD READING

Bill No: ACR 35

Author: Cooper (D), et al.

Introduced: 3/15/17

Vote: 21

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: Read and adopted, 4/20/17

SUBJECT: California Wines: Down to Earth Month

SOURCE: California Association of Winegrape Growers

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

Wine Institute

DIGEST:

This resolution proclaims the month of April 2017 as California Wines: Down to Earth Month, and celebrates the sustainable leadership of California wineries and winegrape growers throughout the month of April.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

Sustainability is a vital part of the long-term future of California wine, which contributes an estimated $57.6 billion in annual economic impact to California's economy.
The California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing, created over a decade ago, is comprised of more than 200 best practices for vineyards and wineries that benefit the environment, employees, neighbors, and the production of high quality wine.
California's 4,600 wineries and 5,900 winegrape growers are primarily family businesses with a long-term commitment to the health and vitality of their communities and to preserving the land for future generations.California's wine community conserves water, energy, and other natural resources; protects habitat, employee well-being, and air, water, and soil quality; and promotes the use of natural pest management and alternative energy and fuels.
California growers' and vintners' commitment to sustainability was recognized with a Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, for the third time, in 2015. These wineries and regional associations will host Down to Earth and Earth Day activities such as eco-tours, winemaker dinners pairing sustainably produced wine and food, and other green activities during the month of April.

Related/Prior Legislation

ACR 44 (Dodd, Resolution Chapter 28, Statutes of 2015) proclaimed the month of April 2015 as California Wines: Down to Earth Month, to celebrate the sustainable leadership of California wineries and winegrape growers throughout April.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/3/17)

California Association of Winegrape Growers (co-source)

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (co-source)

Wine Institute (co-source)

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/3/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, “ACR 35 proclaims the month of April 2017 as California Wines: Down to Earth Month, to celebrate the sustainable leadership of California wineries and winegrape growers throughout the month of April. The California wine community’s commitment to sustainable practices conserves water, energy, and other natural resources; protects habitat, employee well-being, and air, water, and soil quality; and promotes the use of natural pest management and alternative energy and fuels.”

Prepared by: Jonas Austin / SFA / (916) 651-1520

5/3/17 15:10:56

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ACR 35: California Wines: Down to Earth Month.

Assembly Floor

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