California Table Grape Industry Aiming High to Ground Notorious Pest

The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District Board of Directors has authorized the use of up to $1.7 million in district reactionary funds, generated through the California table grape industry, to support California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) activities related to the prevention and control of Pierce’s Disease (PD) and the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS).

The action was taken during the district’s recent board of  directors meeting, in response to an approximately $1.7 million funding shortfall associated with current Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter program activities.

The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District recognizes continued GWSS surveillance, treatment, and suppression as critical to limiting the spread of Pierce’s disease and protecting California’s table grape, winegrape, and raisin industries.

Under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 6047.87, the district is authorized to take actions necessary to control, eradicate, remove, or prevent the spread of the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter, Pierce’s Disease, and other designated pests and diseases injurious to table grapes.

The funding commitment from the district will help support continued CDFA-coordinated PD/GWSS activities, including area-wide efforts that provide resources for eligible citrus growers to conduct approved treatments designed to suppress GWSS populations. These activities complement trapping, monitoring, and other preventative measures intended to reduce the movement of GWSS and protect nearby vineyards.

By committing up to $1.7 million from accumulated district reactionary funds, the board is investing industry-generated funds directly into efforts intended to protect table grape growers. For growers in Kern and Tulare counties, there will be no assessment change.

For more information, visit grapesfromcalifornia.com.