California's winegrape growers have voted to extend a winegrape assessment that is aiding in the fight against Pierce's Disease and the glassy-winged sharpshooter that spreads it.

The vote will extend the assessment for another five years, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Pierce's Disease Control Program.

Last fall, the state Legislature passed SB 2, a bill to extend the control program, which was due to sunset in 2011.

The bill was authored by Sen. Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa), with Assemblyman Wes Chesbro (D-Arcata) and Assembly member Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) as principal co-authors. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill last October.

SB 2 extends the Pierce's Disease Control Program from 2011 to 2016, and expands the program’s research component to include designated new pests and diseases affecting grapes grown in California, Wiggins' office reported.

It also called for a referendum of the state’s winegrape growers in order to continue an industry assessment, paid for by winegrape growers, that funds the program's research.

In the recent vote of the state's winegrape growers, a total of 2,792 valid ballots were received, representing 45 percent of eligible voters, CDFA reported.

Of those voting, 84 percent favored continuing the assessment. Those voting in favor of continuation represented 84 percent of the assessment paid by all those who voted, according to officials.

 

In the late 1990s, Pierce's Disease – which the CDFA reported has been present in California for more than 100 years – threatened to cause sizable damage to grapes due to the arrival of the glassy-winged sharpshooter.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter carries the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce's Disease in grapes, almonds, oleander and citrus fruits, according to the CDFA.

Agriculture officials explained that the insect feeds on a plant's water producing elements. When a plant develops Pierce's Disease, its ability to draw in moisture is hindered and the plant will either die or become unproductive.

In response to this threat to the grape industry, the Legislature passed bills that led to the creation of an advisory task force on the Pierce's Disease issue in 1999.

In 2000, the Pierce's Disease Control Program was created as a partnership between the CDFA, county agriculture commissioners, United States Department of Agriculture, University of California, local agencies, industry and agriculture organizations. Its purpose was to combat the spread and find solutions for Pierce's Disease and the glassy-winged sharpshooter.

For more on the program visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/.

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