A Proactive Approach for Fighting Invasive Pests and Diseases

In the face of increasing risks of invasive pests and diseases from around the world and nation, California’s winegrape growers today can turn to the innovative grower-government partnership created almost two decades ago to help protect their vineyards. The research, outreach and other activities which the Pierce's Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board funds are all geared toward safeguarding California winegrapes.

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In 2001, an annual, value-based assessment on winegrapes was established to fund PD/GWSS research and related activities. The PD/GWSS Board, an advisory board composed of winegrape growers and processors, was also established at that time. The Board advises the California Department of Food and Agriculture on the best use of assessment funds, ensuring dollars are spent wisely and productively to find solutions to PD, GWSS, and other designated pests and diseases of winegrapes. Over the years, the assessment rate has averaged $1.39 per $1,000 of crop value. Over $45 million has been spent on research and outreach since 2001.

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Pierce's disease costs more than $100 million per year, even with public control programs in place. If the PDCP ended, and GWSS was distributed freely throughout California, the annual cost to the winegrape industry would increase by more than $185 million. Read more about The Costs and Benefits of Pierce's Disease Research in the California Wine Industry.

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Projects funded by the PD/GWSS Board are showing promising results. Winegrapes resistant to PD and other control techniques are headed toward commercial availability, and research continues to search for practical and sustainable solutions and control methods for PD, GWSS, and other serious winegrape pests and diseases. Through it all, the PD/GWSS Board, guided by winegrape growers and vintners from around the state, strives to ensure assessment funds are spent wisely and productively.