In this issue...
Sara Higgins Appointed ED
LAEP Graduation
Sustainable WA 2025 to Launch with Improvements
Breakdown of Various Federal Activities
Town Hall Meetings Exchange Info with the Industry
TTB Bootcamp for Wineries
Walter J. Clore Scholarship
Winegrowers and WCSETF Support Smoke Exposure Research Act
State Government Affairs Update
Upcoming Events
Sara Higgins Appointed ED
The Washington Winegrowers Association announced the appointment of Sara Higgins as Executive Director, following the departure of Colleen Frei at the Board of Directors meeting last Thursday, March 13th.
LAEP Graduation
On Saturday, March 22, Winegrowers executive director, Sara Higgins, attended the graduation celebration of 14 Level I and 13 Level III Latino Ag Education Program students who, since November 2024, weekly dedicated time to classes and learning that earned them a certificate in either Introduction to Viticulture or Vineyard Management/Integrated Pest Management.
Sustainable WA 2025 to Launch with Improvements
This season, Sustainable WA has made several improvements to streamline the certification process and enhance user experience for growers:
Breakdown of Various Federal Activities
Federal policies are straining the wine industry. USDA grants are frozen, and federal layoffs are impacting agriculture research. Trade disputes have led to tariffs disrupting export markets and raising costs. Key programs face expiration due to uncertainty around the Farm Bill. A new DHS rule imposes stricter requirements on workers, which could impact H-2A labor. Winegrowers are actively advocating for solutions.
Town Hall Meetings Exchange Info with the Industry
In February, Winegrowers partnered with the Washington State Wine Commission, The Washinton Wine Institute, and Auction of Washinton taking information on the road in a series of Town Hall-style meetings.
TTB Boot Camp for Wineries
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is currently offering an online “Boot Camp for Wineries” with virtual webinars on topics including permits, records, tax returns, labeling and formulas.
Walter J. Clore Scholarship
The 2025 scholarship application process at the Washington Wine Industry Foundation is now open with applications due April 8.
Winegrowers and WCSETF Support Smoke Exposure Research Act
State Government Affairs Update
Upcoming Events
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WAVE / Ravenholt Seminar : Sustainability in Action Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – 8 am - 5:30 pm WSU TriCities, Richland |
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Registration open for "Winery Sanitation & Food Safety" (Webinar) Wednesday, June 12, 2025 |
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Registration open for "Roll out the Barrels" Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
