An antiquated California law makes the use of autonomous equipment in the vineyard challenging. Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations at the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) explains that workplace safety standards developed in the 1970s based on 1940s equipment state that self-driven tractors must have an operator onboard. To update this law, CAWG is working closely with manufacturers and countries that allow autonomous equipment to aggregate data on safety. Automation has many potential benefits to farm workers include developing transferable skills, upward mobility, precision agriculture, and increased safety. Learn about how the law works today and about funding opportunities to train staff.
Resources:
- 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light
- 120: Autonomous Drone Vineyard Spraying
- 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money
- California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Legislative Action Center
- California’s ongoing ban of autonomous tractors a major setback
- Department of Industrial Relations Regulation Title 8 Section 3441 Operation of Agricultural Equipment
- Electric, self-driving capable tractors roll into California North Coast vineyards. North Bay Business Journal. (Partial pay wall)
- Frequently Asked Questions Self-Propelled Agricultural Equipment (CAWG Member Login required)
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