WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, is pleased to report major early progress on one of its top 2023 policy priorities: A national vineyard acreage survey covering all 50 states. The breakthrough came as part of the massive $1.7 trillion Omnibus spending bill passed by Congress on December 23 and signed into law by President Biden. The exact language: “The agreement encourages NASS to reinstate the 5-year Vineyard and Orchard Acreage Study and resume data collection and reporting so grape, wine, and juice producers can remain competitive and respond to challenges in the industry.” NASS is the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture which used to conduct such surveys until budget cuts eliminated them over a decade ago. Two recent National Economic Impact Surveys of the Wine Industry sponsored by WineAmerica demonstrated the vital need to reinstate them. “We are delighted at this step, and deeply g