The most recent version of the proposed regulations for the California Grapevine Regulation and Certification Program (R&C) was submitted to the state Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on Nov. 17, 2009.

The regulations of the California Grapevine Registration & Certification Program were revised by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). After filing the draft revision of the grape regulations with the OAL in the fall of 2008, the ensuing public comment period yielded substantive comments requiring a response by CDFA.

On March 17, 2009, a public hearing was held at UC Davis to enable oral presentation of comments to CDFA. Statements made in writing during the formal comment period and during the March public hearing necessitated amendment of the original proposed regulations, as well as amendment of the initial statement of reasons in support of the draft amended regulations.

CDFA withdrew the draft regulations from the OAL process as a result of the scope of the changes required by the comments.

Mike Colvin, CDFA Nursery, Seed and Cotton Program supervisor, indicated that CDFA staff has worked diligently since the March hearing to respond to industry concerns, stating “We are very close to issuing a final product that addresses the concerns expressed by industry members. We believe that the amended regulations will result in a significantly improved and stronger R&C Program and will meet the needs of the grapevine industry.”

The current version is now available for review and comment until Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

Any person interested, may present statements or arguments in writing relevant to the action proposed, to the agency officer named below:

Susan McCarthy

CDFA

1220 N Street, Room A-210

Sacramento, Calif., 95814

(916) 654-1017

FAX (916) 654-1018

[email protected]

Additional information about the proposed regulations can be found on the CDFA Web site: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/PHPPS/regs_grapevines.html.