New Law Creates Option for California Growers With Agricultural Waste

Legislation co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) was signed into law by Governor Newsom. SB 279 (McNerney) will make it easier for growers across California to compost agricultural waste on their land without needing a CalRecycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery) permit.

SB 279 reflects winegrowers’ commitment to sustainability and land stewardship. This important legislation recognizes two realities:
• Growers are purposefully contracting acreage to match shrinking demand, which is generating large volumes of vineyard wood and other organic byproducts across California, with few viable disposal options.
• Growers are not waste haulers or commercial composters. It makes no sense to regulate on-farm handling of their own organic material like a hauling or commercial composting business by requiring them to get a permit from CalRecycle.

“Composting contributes to healthy soil efforts while increasing carbon sequestration,” says Natalie Collins, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “With vineyard acres continuing to be removed throughout the state, that material becomes a powerful feedstock. While composting may not be the right fit for every operation, SB 279 reduces regulatory burden and creates a practical way to turn waste into a climate tool.”

SB 279 was co-sponsored by CAWG, California Alliance for Community Composting, Californians Against Waste, People Food & Land Foundation, Western Tree Nut Association, California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association, and The Climate Center. Wine Institute, Family Winemakers of California, and several other organizations also supported this legislation.

For more information, visit cawg.org.