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The passage of the PD/GWSS Referendum also means the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program (PDCP) and grower-led PD/GWSS Board will continue to safeguard California’s $170 billion wine industry.
“For more than two decades now, California’s winegrape growers have steadfastly committed to this multi-pronged partnership,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We work together to keep Pierce’s disease and the glassy-winged sharpshooter contained, and to fund essential research that allows growers to stay ahead of emerging winegrape pests and diseases as well.”
The assessment funds research, prevention and control work to mitigate the impact of winegrape pests and diseases, including PD, GWSS, viruses, mealybugs and the spotted lanternfly.
“Thank you to my fellow growers for demonstrating our industry’s continued commitment to protecting our vineyards from these pests and diseases,” said Randy Heinzen, PD/GWSS Board Chair. “With the PD/GWSS assessment, California winegrape growers have top researchers working on solving issues that matter most to us.”
A recent economic impact study found that without these efforts led by the PDCP, California winegrape growers could see their annual PD losses more than double, from $48 million to $104 million. Even with mitigation strategies in place, PD still costs an estimated $110 million annually in California.
Grower-funded research drives progress and innovation, delivering practical and sustainable solutions. The PD/GWSS Board has invested $60.1 million in 311 research grants since 2001. Current projects address disease management strategies, genetic and biotechnological solutions, vector and disease transmission, virus detection and management, and industry preparedness.
The program’s prevention and control measures keep GWSS in check, including nursery inspections, trapping and treatment, bulk citrus inspections, areawide treatment programs and biological control. The program monitors GWSS statewide, with over 33,000 traps, and responds promptly to new GWSS finds with surveys and treatments. It has deployed more than 2.8 million GWSS biological control agents and eradicated 18 GWSS infestations since 2001.
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