TO VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING
Update:
In the crop insurance session, it was discussed that samples are required to be sent to a third-party lab and will need to show elevated levels of guaiacol and 4-methylguaiacol for the claim. The required testing method mentioned was from a fresh berry test and Pan American advised that growers discuss with their adjusters any additional testing to supplement the berry test. Due to the information provided by Dr. Oberholster regarding the bound chemicals being revealed in the fermentation process, Pan American is happy to share that carriers may now potentially accept the mini-ferment test results from a third-party lab to supplement, or in place of the berry testing. Again, you must talk with your insurance carrier to determine their preferred method. Crop insurance carriers will do everything they can to work with growers through their claim and provide the proper guidance to assure no steps are missed.
Clarification:
You do not need your test results back prior to starting your harvest, the samples just need to be sent in to a third-party lab prior to harvest.
The task force will also soon release a ‘road map’ that will serve as a guide to encourage timely and effective communication between growers and wineries to address shared concerns related to smoke exposure. We are working on that document and it should be released soon.
Additional Resources: