In this issue...
Federal Legislation Update
State Legislative Update
USDA Federal Funding Situation
US Tariffs on Canada and Mexico
LAEP 2024-2025 Graduation - March 22, 2025
Sustainable WA and WAVE 2025 - April 23, 2025
Allen Shoup Fellowship
Upcoming Events
We're Stronger Together - Join/Renew Your 2025 Membership
Register for LAEP!
Recent executive orders and funding freezes are impacting agriculture, winegrape research, and federal staffing. New tariffs may raise costs, visa changes could delay H-2A processing, and a government shutdown looms on March 14. WA Winegrowers urges members to contact Congress.
We're Stronger Together - Join/Renew Your 2025 MembershipÂ
Thank you for supporting Washington Winegrowers! Your membership drives advocacy, education, and industry growth. Renew for 2025 and keep Washington wine thriving—visit our Membership Page today!
State Legislative Update
The 2025 Washington legislative session runs from January 13 to April 27. WA Winegrowers is tracking key bills, including SB 5067 and HB 1315, which propose lowering the BAC limit to 0.05% by July 2026. Other bills address recycled content in plastic wine containers, a tax exemption for small wineries, and agritourism promotion. Stay tuned for updates!
USDA Federal Funding Situation
Federal cost-cutting measures are hitting the grape and wine industry hard, with USDA grant programs suspended and key ARS scientists terminated. Research in smoke exposure, grape breeding, vine diseases, and pests is now stalled or shut down, jeopardizing long-term industry sustainability. The loss of federal research support threatens the competitiveness of America’s $276 billion wine industry. Together with our industry partners, WA Winegrowers Association is working with stakeholders to protect critical scientific resources.
US Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Paused for 30 Days
On February 3, 2025, the leaders of Mexico and Canada reached last minute agreements with the US to postpone for 30 days the proposed 25% tariffs on goods exported to the US.
LAEP 2024-2025 Graduation on March 22, 2025
Washington Winegrowers proudly supports the Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program (LAEP), helping agricultural employees grow into leadership roles since 2006.
Join us in celebrating this year’s graduates on March 22, 2025.
Interested in enrolling or sponsoring? Reach out to us!
Sustainable WA and WAVE 2025 on April 23, 2025
WAVE 2025 brings research-driven solutions to Washington’s wine industry. Featuring keynote Mary Retallack, industry challenges, research showcases, and networking.
Allen Shoup Fellowship Press Release
Upcoming Education and Events
