California Agave Assembly Bill 2606 Passes

The California Agave Council is a voluntary organization dedicated to building a strong agave community, laying the foundation for a successful agave industry in California, and promoting the industry's collective interests. Since its inception, the Council has considered the possibility of creating a Commission, similar to other commodity industries in the state, to unite stakeholders and provide sustainable funding.

With the passage of AB2606, we are one step closer to that goal. However, the formation of a commission is still years away, and many discussions remain. Special thanks to Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) for her strong support and for authoring this bill. She has been a true champion for California Agave from the very beginning!

Key Points about the Legislation:

• AB2606 does not create a Commission; it simply provides a framework for one if agave growers and distillers vote to approve it in the future.

• The creation of a Commission would follow a democratic process, with growers and distillers voting, overseen by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

• Realistically, the vote won’t occur until 2026 or later, as the industry is still in its early stages, and many elements need further discussion.

• The bill allows the industry to assess whether a Commission would effectively support its growth and success.

This initiative was presented by Louie Brown of Kahn, Soares, & Conway at last year's California Agave Industry Symposium at UC Davis, and again at the April 2024 Annual General Meeting of the California Agave Council.

Why a Commission? This proactive measure allows the agave industry to establish a foundational model, similar to long-standing commodity boards like the California Strawberry Commission and Olive Oil Commission of California. These boards have been successfully structured to serve the best interests of their industries.

• A Commission would require mandatory contributions from all industry participants, preventing “free-riders” from benefiting without contributing.

• Contributions would be scaled, with smaller growers/distillers paying less and larger entities paying more, ensuring a fair and balanced approach.

• It would create a structure where all stakeholders contribute to research, marketing, and industry development, ensuring that the benefits are shared across the industry.

Democratic Governance A Commission’s Board of Directors would be elected by growers and distillers, serving two-year terms. If, at any point, the industry feels the Commission no longer serves its needs, it can be dissolved through a vote.

Moving Forward We look forward to ongoing discussions and encourage everyone to join the California Agave Council, participate in meetings, and help cultivate a vibrant agave community.

Purpose of the California Agave Council:

The California Agave Council was created to unite growers, distillers, and stakeholders in the agave industry under a shared mission: to build a thriving, sustainable agave industry in California. Our council aims to:

1. Support Growers and Producers: By connecting growers with distillers and resources, we help foster collaboration, streamline production processes, and ensure fair market opportunities for all participants.

2. Advocate for the Industry: We are actively working with lawmakers, like on the “California Agave Spirits” bill, to ensure legal and regulatory frameworks that benefit agave farmers and distillers. This includes securing grants (like the $500K grant) to fund important projects that will directly impact members.

3. Promote Sustainable Practices: In partnership with UC Davis and industry experts, we are advancing best practices in sustainable agriculture to ensure the long-term viability and environmental health of agave farming in California.

4. Educate and Connect: Through regional events, workshops, and networking opportunities, we provide valuable information, tools, and support to help members succeed in this growing industry. This includes guidance on new developments, opportunities, and resources available to members.

Why This Council Matters:

The California Agave Council is more than just a group—it’s a community working together to shape the future of the agave industry in our state. As the demand for agave spirits and products grows, our collective strength and shared knowledge will be key to seizing new opportunities, addressing challenges, and ensuring that California becomes a leader in agave farming and production.

Join us in shaping the future of the California agave industry!

California Agave Wins Nearly $1 Million in State Grants

Funds support CA agave industry and UC Davis efforts to advance new climate-resilient crop alternative

“USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is investing $23.1 million to support 44 projects across California this year,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “As we look to expand the competitiveness of the specialty crop sector, we also see the value of funding research for potential new crops to help growers adapt to climate change and develop successful marketing strategies. The California Agave Council is well positioned with research partners and innovative growers to bring a new high-value specialty crop to market and I wish them well.”

The California Agave Council has secured a nearly $500,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to support the growth of the agave industry in California. UC Davis also received nearly $500,000 for agave research, marking a significant investment in the future of this climate-smart crop.

This achievement was made possible thanks to the voluntary dues from our members, allowing us to hire the right team and dedicate substantial resources to writing, creating and now administering this grant. This is a testament to the power of collective action and demonstrates the value of membership in our council. We thank our members for their support, and if you're not yet part of our community, consider joining us here.

The CDFA's investment underscores California's commitment to innovative and sustainable agriculture. Agave is increasingly being recognized as a valuable crop, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and drought. This funding will help farmers more easily start agave cultivation by providing resources such as:

• A comprehensive report on current agave research

• Bilingual training materials

• An online toolkit with instructional videos

• Enhanced educational events, including our annual Symposium

These initiatives will equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to adopt best practices quickly, minimizing the typical trial-and-error associated with new crops and helping them achieve success sooner.

The grant also allows us to organize both large-scale events and regional gatherings across the state, fostering community, sharing knowledge, and connecting with experts in the field.

Summary of the Grants Awarded:

California Agave Council: Pioneering Drought and Climate Resiliency Through Education and Training for the Emerging California Agave Industry

Due to climate change and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), water availability in California has decreased, leading to increased production costs, lower yields, fallow fields, and job losses in rural areas, particularly affecting historically underrepresented farmers and farmworkers. To address this, the California Agave Council, a non-profit organization, will provide technical assistance and training to agave farmers on drought-resistant practices. The project aims to support California's agave industry by reducing water use, improving efficiency, and helping farmers adapt to a changing climate. Key deliverables include a report on current agave research, bilingual training materials, a web-based toolkit with instructional videos, and educational events for growers. 

UC Davis Receives Grant: California Agave: Foundational Agronomy, Viral-load, Genetic Diversity, and Metabolites Characterization for a Drought-tolerant Specialty Crop

The University of California, Davis, has been awarded a grant to conduct foundational research on agave, a promising drought-tolerant crop for California. The project, titled "California Agave: Foundational Agronomy, Viral-load, Genetic Diversity, and Metabolites Characterization for a Drought-tolerant Specialty Crop," aims to address the challenges of low water availability and extended droughts facing California's farming communities. By collecting and analyzing data on agronomy, viral load, genetic diversity, and metabolites, UC Davis will provide critical insights that help farmers make informed decisions about incorporating agave into their crop portfolios. The project will also focus on outreach, engaging with growers and distillers through events to share research findings and promote agave as a climate-smart agricultural solution.

Stay tuned for updates on regional events this fall, our next annual Symposium, and more!