California Legislature—2015–16 Regular Session

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 44

Introduced by Assembly Member Dodd

(Principal coauthor: Senator Wolk)

(Coauthors: Assembly Members Achadjian, Alejo, Bigelow, Cooper, Eggman, Levine, Mullin, Olsen, Mark Stone, and Wood)

(Coauthor: Senator McGuire)

March 10, 2015

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 44—Relative to California Wines: Down to Earth Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

ACR 44, as introduced, Dodd. California Wines: Down to Earth Month.

This measure would proclaim the month of April 2015 as California Wines: Down to Earth Month, to celebrate the sustainable leadership of California wineries and winegrape growers throughout April.

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 Winegrape Growers created the California Code of Sustainable
Winegrowing more than a decade ago and it has since been used
by vineyards and wineries representing nearly three-quarters of
California’s winegrape acreage and production to self-assess
operations; and

WHEREAS, The California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing,
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
the production of high quality wine; and

WHEREAS, Wineries that produce more than half of California
wine are Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, a
third-party certification option added in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Other state and regional sustainability programs,
such as Lodi Rules, Sustainability in Practice, Napa Green, Fish
Friendly Farming, and the Green Business Program, along with
regional sustainability commitments by Sonoma County, Santa
Barbara County, Lake County, 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
well-being, and air, water, and soil quality; and promotes the use
of natural pest management and alternative energy and fuels; and

WHEREAS, California wineries and winegrape growers make
charitable contributions of $101.5 million annually and generously
contribute their time and expertise to communities and nonprofit
organizations; and

WHEREAS, California’s 4,100 wineries and 5,900 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; and

WHEREAS, California growers’ and vintners’ commitment to
sustainability was recognized with a Governor’s Environmental
and Economic Leadership Award, for the third time, in 2015; and

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

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims the month of
April 2015 as California Wines: Down to Earth Month, to celebrate
the sustainable leadership of California wineries and winegrape
growers throughout April; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.