Grapes

USDA expands 2025 grapevine crop insurance coverage

The USDA is set to enhance its grapevine crop insurance program for the 2025 crop year. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) will now cover grapevines grafted between six and 12 months old, reducing the grafting... more »

Growers optimistic on California organic grape season

Optimism is ruling in this year's California organic grape season. As California organic table grape growers size up their fall varieties, they are expecting good supplies that will result in improved retail promotional opportunities moving... more »

Oxbo partners with Fresno State on harvesting equipment

Specialty crop harvesting equipment manufacturer Oxbo is introducing nut harvesting machinery. Oxbo's partnership with Fresno State University will make Oxbo the official pistachio equipment partner for Fresno State’s 2024 pistachio harvest season. Oxbo designs and... more »

Winegrape smoke exposure website started

The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force (WCSETF) has launched its new website spreading information about smoke exposure. The site, wcsetf.org, houses critical information on smoke exposure for winegrowers, winemakers and others in the wine... more »

Growers appointed to Georgia commodity commissions

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has named growers to head Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions. The commissions include apples, blueberries, peaches, pecans, wine and grapes and vegetables. The following are the appointments: Apple Commodity Commission: Andy... more »

New research projects funded to boost rootstock resilience for California grape growers

The California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission (CGRIC) has approved funding for five new research projects aimed at supporting the state’s viticulture and grape nursery industries. The projects focus on various challenges facing grape growers, including... more »

Intense heat stress California crops, growers

Crops, including grapes and melons, across California continue to take a beating as farmers work to reduce impacts of a lingering heat wave that has increased their costs and jeopardized production. With prolonged triple-digit temperatures... more »

Fresh Views: Grapevine disease management tackled

Last year posed significant challenges for grapevine growers in California as they battled against heightened disease pressure. Facing threats from several major fungal diseases such as powdery mildew (PM), botrytis and phomopsis cane and leaf... more »

Washington growers to hold piece rate recordkeeping webinar

Two Washington growers organizations are collaborating to help the state's growers deal with piece rate recordkeeping. The webinar covering piece rate recordkeeping is scheduled for July 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT. The... more »

Great Bear Vineyards’ biologicals focus

As the owner of Great Bear Vineyards, which will complete transitioning all grapes to organic production this year, Marcus Meadows-Smith relies on biological products to help control disease and pests. He’s not just a user... more »