WAWGG: A look into 2009 By Brenton Roy Oasis Farms and Chairman, WAWGG By Vicky Scharlau Executive Director WAWGG

Influence and advocate for a positive environment to triple the economic impact and improve profitability of the Washington grape and wine industry by 2020

“…watching out for your interests…”

Areas of activity:  Leadership within the Industry  Unity of the Industry  Advocacy on behalf of the industry  Education for the industry  Research for the industry  Marketing (grapes)  Association specific/good governance

WAWGG 2009  Advocacy  State  Federal  Education  Research  Leadership  Unity  Association specific  Marketing

Board- Set policy and direction for the Association based on member input and industry needs

Executive/Officers- Address issues between board meetings

Member Services- Address concerns of current/potential members and review potential benefits or services for members

Research Consortium- Identify and fund projects that influence sustainability and address short and long term needs of industry

Winewise Working Group- To provide input into the initial needs of information for wineries to become more sustainable

Vinewise Working Group- To provide input on technical needs of the Vinewise website and Guide to Sustainability.

NW Foundation Block Advisory Group- Represent industry interests, advise WSU on management, direction, selections, distribution, testing, policies, procedures, funding, quarantine, program reviews.

Finance- Recommendations on fiscal policy and issues to be considered by the board including investments.

Outreach and Technology Transfer- Provide opportunities that keep growers on the leading edge and making informed decisions …annual meeting, trade show, summer tours, grower tours and other special events.

Marketing & Profitability- Strive to optimize supply and demand. -Grower involvement in public wine events hosted by Commission and Auction of Washington Wines -Supply and demand working group -Crop estimating working group

Leadership Council- Influence industry focus and direction to meet the needs of a changing future.

Northwest Viticulture Council- Address regional needs and interests by providing a grower voice on important Congressional and regulatory, as well as intra- industry, issues.

Advocacy- Provide grower voice on important legislative and regulatory, as well as intra-industry, issues. Address state governmental affairs plus handle legislative tours, PAC funds, lobbying.

Advocacy  State  Truth in labeling  Extend processor lien  Grower payments  WSU ag initiative  WSU V&E capital budget request  Federal  Truth in labeling  Foundation block funding  National Clean Plant Network  Research

State  Truth in labeling bill  Pattern Oregon’s 95%, most other countries  Extension of processor lien bill  Allow growers time during harvest  Grower payments  Paid late or non-pay  WSU ag initiative support  WSU V&E capital budget request  Move request higher on list to finish V&E building

Federal  Truth in labeling  American appellation defined with %  Foundation block funding  Earmarks at risk, funding for operations  National Clean Plant Network  Prosser’s role and funding options  Research  Access, address priorities, WA needs

Research National:  National Grape & Wine Initiative (NGWI)  Washington participation  Farm Bill funding for grants State:  Research Task Force  Implementation plan  Funding and organization options

Education  World-class Annual Meeting, Trade Show  Workshops/Seminars with WSU  Annual Summer Tour  Pesticide Handling in Spanish  Latino Ag Education Program  Technology session like sprayer day  Tailgates  Follow-up from the Wine Industry Summit

“…watching out for your interests…”