Bill Text: CA SCR88 | 2021-2022 | Regular Session | Chaptered

California Senate Concurrent Resolution 88 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: California Wines: Down to Earth Month.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 48-14-1)

Status: (Passed) 2022-05-24 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 58, Statutes of 2022. [SCR88 Detail]

Download: California-2021-SCR88-Chaptered.html

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 88

CHAPTER 58

Relative to California Wines: Down to Earth Month.

[ Filed with Secretary of State May 24, 2022. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SCR 88, Dodd. California Wines: Down to Earth Month.

This measure would proclaim, in perpetuity, the month of April as California Wines: Down to Earth Month, to celebrate the sustainable leadership of California wineries and winegrape growers throughout the month of April.

Fiscal Committee: NO

WHEREAS, Sustainability is a vital part of the long-term future of California wine, which contributes over $57 billion in annual economic activity to California’s economy; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers created the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing and the vast majority of the state’s vineyards and wineries have since embraced the code, making it the most widely adopted sustainable winegrowing program worldwide in terms of winegrape acreage and wine production; and

WHEREAS, The California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing, managed by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, is composed of over 200 best practices for vineyards and wineries that benefit the environment, employees, neighbors, and the production of high-quality wine; and

WHEREAS, Wineries that produce a vast majority of California’s wine are Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, the third-party certification program added in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Other state and regional sustainability programs, such as Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green, and Sustainability in Practice (SIP Certified), along with organic and biodynamic certifications and regional sustainability commitments, all play an important role in the California wine communities’ efforts to grow grapes and produce wine in a manner that is environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable; and

WHEREAS, Over 50 percent of California vineyards are certified by Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green, or SIP Certified, or a combination thereof; and

WHEREAS, California’s wine community continually measures its impressive progress in conserving water, energy, and other natural resources; protecting habitat, employee well-being, and air, water, and soil quality; and promoting the use of natural pest management and alternative energy and fuels; and

WHEREAS, California wineries and winegrape growers make significant charitable contributions and generously donate their time and expertise to communities and nonprofit organizations; and

WHEREAS, California’s 4,200 wineries and 5,900 winegrape growers are predominantly family businesses with a long-term commitment to the health and vitality of their communities and to preserving the land for future generations; and

WHEREAS, California growers’ and vintners’ commitment to sustainability was recognized with three Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards; and

WHEREAS, Winegrapes are one of nearly 400 specialty crops that are California grown, and many winegrowers and other farmers are dedicated to sustainable, organic, biodynamic production; and

WHEREAS, California’s wineries and regional associations host Down to Earth Month and Earth Day activities such as eco-tours, virtual events pairing sustainably produced wine and food, and other green activities during the month of April; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims, in perpetuity, the month of April as California Wines: Down to Earth Month, to celebrate the sustainable leadership of California wineries and winegrape growers throughout the month of April; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.