Wildfire Safety & Preparedness Training
Now that Summer has arrived, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau is offering July certification courses for the Ag Access Pass Program going into the wildfire and harvest seasons. Ag Access Passes are obtained from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and provide property access in an evacuation zone during a wildfire event. The Pass is valid for 42 months, and individuals or one supervisor per crew requesting access will be required to have a pass. To obtain a pass, the first step is to complete this certification course. Topics include fireline hazards, wildland personal protective equipment, entrapment avoidance, vegetation management, traffic patterns, and other essential fire topics.
Please note: Attendee’s full registration name must match personal identification card for certificate to complete the class certification process.
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Spanish language : 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
English language : 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free of charge, limit 50 attendees per course
Courses brought to you by American AgCredit and Sonoma County Farm Bureau
Click Here to Register
IPM Meeting
Alexander Valley Meeting
Date: July 23rd
Time: 10-11:30am
Hoot Owl Creek Vineyards: 8197 California 128, Healdsburg, CA
Discussion Topics Include:
-Focus on Bloom Issues – powdery mildew index, grape leafhopper nymph and mite observations and actions, weed ID
-Review of nitrogen and water use to grow vines with pest and disease resistance
*If you’d like to be included in future communication specific to IPM resources, please send your email address to Emersyn Klick at emersyn@sonomawinegrape.org
UCCE Sonoma County Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter ID Workshop
Please join Chris Chen, Viticulture Advisor, and Cindy Kron, IPM Advisor, for the UCCE Sonoma Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) ID Workshop. Free to attend, coffee and snacks provided.
1.0 hr Other DPR CEUs Pending.
Pre-registration required by July 27th, 2026 – Space is limited for each session.
Please register for your preferred timeslot using the links below:
July 29th: 08:00 am – 09:00 am – click here to register
July 29th: 09:30 am – 10:30 am – click here to register
July 29th: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – click here to register
July 29th: 12:30 pm – 01:30 pm – click here to register
For more information contact Cindy Kron at: ckron@ucanr.edu
GenNow
Date: August 13th
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Sonoma County Winegrowers office: 3245 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
We’re excited to invite young professionals to our GenNow Social! Join fellow professionals from Sonoma County’s agriculture, viticulture, wine, and hospitality industries for an evening of networking, conversation, and community.
Hosted at the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ office, this is a great opportunity to connect with peers, expand your network, and meet others who are passionate about our local industry. We’ll provide the Sonoma County wine and light appetizers, you bring the conversation!
RSVP HERE
Applications Open for USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the payment rates for the one-time bridge payments available through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. The program will deliver approximately $1.6 billion in direct assistance to specialty crop producers affected by rising production costs, market disruptions, trade-related challenges, and growing competition from imports.
Winegrape Payment Rate
USDA has established the following payment rate for grapes: Processed Grapes (Winegrapes): $225 per acre. Both bearing and non-bearing acreage are eligible. USDA specifically recognized that non-bearing acreage continues to incur substantial costs despite generating little or no revenue.
How to Apply
Pre-filled ASCF applications will be available to producers who reported their 2025 crop acreage report by April 24, 2026, for eligible specialty crops. Only one application is required for all ASCF-eligible specialty crops nationwide. Producers who have a secure Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application online starting June 1, 2026.
Application timeline:
June 1, 2026: Online applications open
June 8, 2026: Applications available through local FSA offices
August 7, 2026: Application deadline
Click Here to Learn More or Apply
UCCE North Coast Viticulture Resources
The UC Cooperative Extension has many upcoming events and resources beneficial to North Coast growers. Click the link below to learn more about upcoming events!
