Changes in federal immigration policy enforcement have led many in our wine community to ask what steps they can take to protect their businesses and communicate effectively with their workforces.
The Oregon Winegrowers Association (OWA) is a member-supported organization focused on policy, regulatory and legislative issues of interest to Oregon’s grapegrowers and winemakers. It operates independently of the Oregon Wine Board and receives no funding from the grape tonnage tax.
OWA management and attorneys at Davis Wright Tremaine (DWT) have been following interior security developments and are providing this information as a service to the wine industry.
The importance of heightened federal enforcement is illustrated by this example of a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy change that could affect Oregon growers and winery owners. New agency policy guidance suggests that DHS intends to apply the “Expedited Removal” process to the maximum extent permitted by law.
A person subject to Expedited Removal is immediately ordered removed without any further hearing, review or opportunity to apply to stay in the United States. Current enforcement policy applies Expedited Removal (a) to aliens from Canada or Mexico with criminal backgrounds encountered within 14 days of entry who are apprehended within 100 air miles of the border; or (b) to those who arrived in the last two years by sea. Under its new enforcement policy, however, DHS will now be authorized to apply Expedited Removal to anyone who has not been continuously present in the country for two years prior to apprehension and to individuals anywhere in the U.S.
To put this development in perspective, and to better understand the current immigration policy climate as it relates to employment, we recommend reviewing this DWT document.
To cope with new enforcement policies, here are more specific details on resources wine business owners and their vineyard management companies may find helpful:
To prepare for a possible worksite visit from DHS agencies, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), winery and vineyard owners are strongly encouraged to contact a lawyer for guidance in auditing their federal forms related to immigrant workers, most importantly the Form I-9. Davis Wright Tremaine notes that the three most likely forms of immigration enforcement actions employers may encounter are worksite raids, work visa program compliance visits, and Form I-9 investigations.
Because of the expansion of “joint employer” concepts into numerous areas of employment law, growers who rely on vineyard management companies or farm labor contractors should reaffirm that the vendors they work with are following proper Form I-9 compliance practices and not violating the law by hiring or continuing to employ individuals the vendor knows to be unauthorized to work in the U.S.
Wine business owners can distribute informational resources to workers now, allowing them to prepare themselves for possible questioning from law enforcement. Some materials that we have identified include:
English and Spanish language fact sheets from the Immigrant Defense Project;
English and Spanish language “Know Your Rights” fact sheets that answer questions related to a possible encounter with immigration enforcement officers;
Additional information in English and Spanish from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which will assist workers to know their rights at home, in public and at the workplace;
a list of Oregon-based immigration attorneys, primarily in Portland, provided by the AILA.
The OWA is in contact with other agriculture trade groups, the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Oregon Farm Bureau to coordinate messaging and share action plans. We will work to keep you updated as we get further information relevant to immigration enforcement and as the OWA sets the date of an upcoming webinar for members on immigration policy enforcement.Click here to learn more about the OWA and to join.
Tom Danowski
President
OREGON WINE SYMPOSIUM
Share Your Feedback and Access Content
Thank you to those who attended the 2017 Oregon Wine Symposium. The link to the post-Symposium survey and the password to access the session materials has been emailed to all attendees. For questions, contact the OWB.
OREGON VINEYARD & WINERY CENSUS REPORT
Support Our Industry by Completing Your Census
Every year the Oregon wine industry receives an important request for census information. The data is confidentially gathered and analyzed by the Southern Oregon University Research Center (SOURCE) and is essential for communicating industry grape pricing, economic impact, market growth and much more. Read more and complete your census survey.
MARKETING
Check out the Oregon Wine Month Toolkit
The 2017 Oregon Wine Month toolkit contains resources to help you and your distributor partners get ready for May. Access information about the activity plan, recommended actions for you to get involved, and assets you can use in your own marketing and sales activities. Explore the toolkit.
Deadline to Order Oregon Wine Month Point of Sale is Mar. 15
The OWB is offering printed point of sale materials at no charge to tasting rooms and distributors in Oregon and Washington upon request. The deadline to order materials is Mar. 15. Learn more and place your order.
Call for International Success Stories
Showing the USDA that Market Access Program funds are being used effectively and that activities are resulting in increased international sales and representation for Oregon wineries is essential for continued grant funding. If you have participated in any OWB-sponsored international activities that have resulted in securing representation or sales abroad, send the details of your success story to Margaret Bray.
Airbnb Seeking Wine Hosts for New Experience Feature
Airbnb recently announced a new experience feature that helps guests connect more deeply with local communities. They are looking for individuals interested in hosting a wine experience within 90 minutes of Portland. Learn more.
EDUCATION
The International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show
International Bulk Wine and Spirits show is an annual trade show and conference, open to trade professionals only, that provides wineries, importers, supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, distilleries and other buyers a premiere international platform to source bulk wine and spirits and meet private label suppliers. Learn more about this event.
Wine Management Professional Series at Linfield College
Linfield College has created a new Wine Management Professional Series, designed to provide individuals interested in entering the wine business, or those already working in it, with the core knowledge they need to effectively manage a successful winery operation. Learn more or register.
Participate in the Wine Industry Immersion Program at Linfield College
The Wine Industry Immersion program at Linfield College runs every Tuesday and Thursday from Jun. 13 through Aug. 3. Each session is taught by a diverse set of seasoned industry professionals, encompassing the wine production process from vineyard to table. Learn more or register.
Offering an Industry Educational Event?
The OWB is dedicated to providing members of our community with educational offerings as part of its mandate. In addition to OWB sponsored educational seminars, educational opportunities hosted by third-party organizations can also be promoted. Learn more about promoting your educational offering.
CALLS FOR WINE
Submit Rosé of Pinot Noir Samples for International Wine Review
The International Wine Review is soliciting samples of rosé made from Pinot noir for a special spring 2017 report on this style of wine. Get information on submitting samples.
Submit Wines for the Drinks Business Global Masters Series
The Global Masters is a series of blind tasting competitions based on varieties of wine, drawing in entries from across the world. All Global Masters are judged blind by the finest palates in the world – a panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior buyers only. Learn more and sign up to participate.
OTHER NEWS
Industry Requests of the Oregon Wine Board for Funding
The Oregon Wine Board is committed to effectively investing the resources with which it is entrusted to support technical research, education and marketing programs consistent with its mission to advance the interests of all grapegrowing regions and grape varieties across the state. Learn about how OWB evaluates funding requests.
Items for Sale on the Industry Marketplace
Every day new items are being listed on the Industry Marketplace. Located on the Oregon Wine Industry website, the Marketplace has been expanded to include listings for bulk wine, real estate, equipment and job opportunities. Submit a listing or browse the Marketplace.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 14
SOUTHERN OREGON GRAPE SYMPOSIUM
Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center in Central Point
MARCH 15
GO WEST TASTING
Stockholm, Sweden
MARCH 19 – 21
PROWEIN
Dusseldorf, Germany
MARCH 31 – APRIL 1
SECOND ANNUAL WILLAMETTE: THE PINOT NOIR BARREL AUCTION
The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg
APRIL 6
CULINARY AND AGRITOURISM WORKSHOP
Roseburg
APRIL 9 – 10
REVEAL WALLA WALLA VALLEY WINE
Throughout the Walla Walla Valley
MAY 1 – 31
OREGON WINE MONTH
Throughout Oregon
MAY 4 – 6
MW TOUR
Throughout Oregon
MAY 5 – 7
SPRING RELEASE
Throughout the Walla Walla Valley
JUNE 24 – 27
OREGON PINOT CAMP
Throughout the Willamette Valley
JULY 28 – 30
IPNC
Linfield College in McMinnville
AUGUST 21 – 27
OREGON WINE EXPERIENCE
Throughout Jacksonville
Thank you to our 2017 Oregon Wine Symposium Sponsors
The Oregon Wine Board’s Grapevine newsletter is a great way to make members of the wine community aware of relevant opportunities, programs and events. However, OWB does not endorse or profit from any third party supplier, materials, events, programs or institutions mentioned here.
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