Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62409
GRAPE GRO WING W&V: Are there likely to be changes in the near future regard- ing regulations affecting winegrape growers? Ross: I am very interested in the regulatory climate for agri- culture. For a number of years, concern about the cumulative impact of regulations that are often conflicting or redundant has been increasing, and I am determined to position CDFA to be of assistance. Throughout the department, we have knowledgeable scientific and technical expertise that provides credibility for all of our programs. I believe we can deploy that same level of scientific expertise to provide credible data, im- pact assessments and information about alternative strategies to other agencies in the regulatory arena. Naturally, this work would apply to the wine and winegrape sectors, in addition to California's other commodities. Karen Ross (left), secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, discusses pests at State Scientist Day in Sacramento. W&V: Water continues to be a contentious issue in Califor- nia, even though the governor declared an end to the drought. What sort of movement do you see on this issue that might affect wineries and vineyards, either positively or negatively? Ross: For the near term, Gov. Brown is almost exclusively fo- cused on getting our fiscal house in order. If we can't do that, it will be very difficult to do other things that we hope to accom- plish. That being said, he clearly understands the critical impor- "The California wine community has shown lead ership in energy and water conservation." —Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1142 98 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2012 tance of a reliable water supply for California agriculture. During the campaign (in 2010), he published a fairly specific policy paper on water, based on his experience on the subject matter. As governor nearly 30 years ago, the governor attempted to complete the State Water Plan. When he tapped John Laird to be secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the supply and creating smart conserva- tion of California's water. The California wine community has shown leadership in energy and water conservation through its commitment to the Sustainable Winegrowing Program. QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #2322g