Wine Institute Applauds House Passage of Critical Wildfire, Drought Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wine Institute, the premier public policy advocacy group of California wineries, applauded the Tuesday evening passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of legislation that would provide needed recovery assistance to winegrowers.   

The bill, HR 5305, includes $10 billion in aid for agricultural producers, including California winegrowers, for crop losses from natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. With Senate approval and signing by the president, the funds would be made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to those eligible until the end of 2023.   

“California’s wine community has been heavily impacted by wildfires and droughts in recent years and we welcome this important step in recovery,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO, Wine Institute. “Our wineries have a long history of adapting to changing conditions through sustainability efforts and sound environmental practices and this funding will provide critical support to the most impacted communities. We are grateful for the leadership shown by our congressional delegation and in particular Rep. Mike Thompson, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Alex Padilla.”  

In California alone, more than 775,000 are employed in wine-related jobs, with more than $34 billion in wages annually. California wineries generate $114 billion in annual economic activity, including more than $15 billion in local, state and federal taxes.     

Wine Institute will continue advocating for Senate passage of this important relief funding.    

Read more about the bill here and read the summary here.  

About Wine Institute 
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination.