BILL NUMBER: ACR 15	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Chesbro

                        FEBRUARY 12, 2013

   Relative to wineries.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 15, as introduced, Chesbro. Wineries: leadership.
   This measure would proclaim April 2013 as the "California Wines:
Down to Earth" month, to celebrate the sustainable leadership of
California wineries and winegrape growers.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Sustainability is a vital part of the long-term future of
California wine, which contributes an estimated $61.5 billion in
annual economic impact to California's economy; and
   WHEREAS, The Wine Institute and the California Association of Wine
Grape Growers created the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing
workbook more than a decade ago, with the third edition released in
January 2013, and it has since been used by vineyards and wineries
representing three quarters of California's wine grape acreage and
production to self-assess operations; and
   WHEREAS, The California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Program,
now managed by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, is
comprised of more than 200 best practices for vineyards and wineries
that benefit the environment, employees, neighbors, and high-quality
wine; and
   WHEREAS, Other state and regional sustainability programs, such as
Lodi Rules, Sustainability in Practice (SIP), Napa Green, Fish
Friendly Farming, the Green Business Program, and others, 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, Growing participation in organic, biodynamic, and
sustainable certification programs further conveys California
vintners' and growers' adherence to high standards, desire for
transparency, and dedication to continuous improvement; and
   WHEREAS, California's wine community conserves water, energy, and
other natural resources, protects habitat, employee welfare, and air,
water, and soil quality, and promotes the use of natural pest
management and alternative energy and fuels; and
   WHEREAS, California's 3600 wineries and 4600 winegrape growers are
primarily family businesses, with a long-term commitment to the
health and vitality of their communities, and to preserving the land
for future generations; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims April 2013 as the
time to celebrate the sustainable leadership of California wineries
and winegrape growers with the theme, "California Wines: Down to
Earth" month, timed to Earth Day on April 22nd; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.