Hello friends,
It took 15 months, but it is an exciting week as we are able to return to a new form of normalcy.
Here at Napa Green we are happy to be working with the first of our members transitioning to the redeveloped Napa Green Vineyard certification. We hosted a number of informational webinars on the new certification in April, and we will plan more in the fall and spring. I am also happy to meet one-on-one to answer questions and discuss in detail. When we rolled out the new program in March, we discovered that with COVID-19, fires, and related challenges many Napa Green email communications were overlooked (entirely understandable) and quite a few members were surprised and confused about the transition. This is a good learning lesson for us to communicate through multiple channels moving forward.
We shared a press release on the new program on June 2nd and I have spoken about the leadership of Napa Green members at more than a dozen webinars, seminars and conferences over the past few months. Below is a short three-minute video where I share more personally why I am so dedicated to this work and deeply believe it is critically important and meaningful.
I recognize that with the drought and demands moving into harvest many growers may not be able to turn their attention to the Napa Green Vineyard transition until the end of the year. We are here to roll up our sleeves and work with you whenever you are ready.
In great news, we have announced the job opening for a Climate & Soil Specialist. Please see the job description and encourage anyone you think may be a good fit to apply. We can’t wait to expand our team and have additional capacity to develop Carbon Farm Plans, conduct Irrigation Assessments, and provide on-the-ground implementation support for regenerative farming.
Together, we have accomplished so much, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow Napa County’s leadership in sustainability and climate action.
Sincerely,
Anna Brittain
Executive Director
Napa Green
Artesa Estate
RD Winery
Sloan Estate
Nickel & Nickel
Far Niente
Conn Creek WinerySilenus Winery
Seavey Vineyard
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Cardinale Estate
The Prisoner Wine Company
Spottswoode Winery
Domaine Carneros
Sutter Home
Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards
Porter Family Vineyards
Wheeler Farms | Accendo Cellars
Castello di Amorosa
We have another five wineries actively working on certification, and 10 wineries in the process of recertification. Click here to get your Napa Green Certified Sign.
NRCS EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts: In response to historic drought conditions, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is offering $22,774,000 through a new EQIP option called Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC). This funding will provide farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners with financial assistance to implement conservation practices and enhancements.
Applicants must be a USDA customer and have farm records established with the USDA prior to application. Anyone interested should contact Evelyn Denzin, District Conservationist with NRCS as soon as possible. She will work with you on establishing records and completing the application process, with all applications due by July 12, 2021. Email: evelyn.denzin@usda.gov | Phone: 707-690-3126
Combined Rebates for EV Charger Installation: There are still funds available in Napa County through the CALeVIP Inland Counties Incentive Project offering rebates of $3500 per EV charging port. When combined with MCE EV Charger rebates ($3,000-3,500) these incentives can provide free chargers.
Eligible Sites: Commercial (public availability), Workplace (public or private parking facilities, but must be shared use parking spaces), Multi-unit dwelling (public or private parking facilities, but must be shared use parking spaces), or Curbside charging.
If you’ve been wanting to find a way to assist in the global fight for climate solutions, this training will give you the skills you need to talk about climate change in your community, generate action in our local government, and inspire action in others. You’ll meet climate scientists, local elected leaders, and some of your neighbors!
Attendance is free, but all participants who wish to join us must complete the application form. So sign up for our next session in July!
Napa Green is grateful to our sponsors, who help fund our expanding operations and programs. If you are interested in becoming a Napa Green Sponsor please reach out to Napa Green Executive Director, Anna Brittain.