Winegrape Regulations Expensive and Wildfires Expected Down
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**A new study puts a hefty price tag on the cost to Napa County winegrape growers of complying with government regulations.
Commissioned by the Napa County Farm Bureau and prepared by researchers at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, the study found the cost of last year’s regulatory compliance was between 8% and 12% of production costs.
For large growers, that’s nearly $2 million.
For small growers, that’s around $226,000 … twice that of Oregon growers.
**House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson is grateful the Farm Bill passed through the House.
Thompson says he can think of no more important work than championing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
With 14 Democrats and one independent voting in favor of the bill, it’s the highest number of votes from the minority party on a House farm bill since 2008.
Only three Republicans voted against the bill.
**AccuWeather is forecasting a slightly lower number of U.S. wildfires in 2026 but warns those that do ignite could be more intense and destructive.
Experts say drought, heat, wind, and dry vegetation are increasing the likelihood of fast-spreading fires.
AccuWeather’s Lead Long-Range Forecaster, Paul Pastelok says expanding drought, combined with heat, wind, and dry vegetation, is a dangerous combination.
The interior Northwest and Rockies could face the highest risk.
