Presented by the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force
SACRAMENTO, MAY 30, 2024 – The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force is pleased to announce its Annual Smoke Summit, to be held virtually on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (PST). This summit serves as a platform for sharing updates, recent findings, and future initiatives on the impacts of wildfire smoke on the wine industry.
Leading researchers, Cole Cerrato from Oregon State University, Tom Collins from Washington State University, Anita Oberholster from UC Davis, and Arran Rumbaugh from USDA-ARS will be among the esteemed experts presenting. They will be covering a wide range of research topics, including sensor networks, sensory analysis, and risk modeling. Additionally, they will discuss strategies such as barrier sprays and best practices for sampling and testing for smoke exposure.
Tim Rinehart, National Program Leader for Specialty Crops at USDA-ARS, will also offer insights into the latest developments and next steps for the National Smoke Research Program. Important updates on winegrape crop insurance policies will be shared, along with progress made toward launching a dedicated website that will serve as a comprehensive resource for the wine and winegrape industry on wildfire smoke.
“As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to our industry and communities, the Annual Smoke Summit serves as an avenue for sharing knowledge and progress. The Task Force stands as a testament to the unity of the entire West Coast wine and grape industry, and collectively, we are committed to ensuring that our industry has access to the latest research and resources,” said Natalie Collins, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Co-Chair of the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force.
Learn more and register for the 2024 West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force Smoke Summit HERE.
About the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force
The Task Force is dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by wildfire smoke on the wine and grape industry across California, Oregon, and Washington. With a focus on collaboration among industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers, the mission is to develop effective strategies, share valuable information, and advocate for solutions that safeguard the industry from the detrimental effects of smoke exposure. The goal is to promote resilience, advance research efforts, and provide essential resources to support growers, winemakers, and industry professionals in navigating the complexities of wildfire smoke.
