Your Vote This April Helps Protect California’s Vineyards

This April, winegrape growers will have the opportunity to shape the future of vineyard health in California. A critical vote-by-mail referendum will decide whether to continue funding one of the most critical tools we have to protect our industry: the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Program.

WHY IT MATTERS

The PD/GWSS Board was created as a partnership between the wine industry and the California Department of Food and Agriculture to combat Pierce’s Disease and other pests and diseases impacting winegrapes. The board has invested over $57 million since its inception in research, prevention and outreach to respond to pests and diseases.

A critical vote by mail will occur this April for an extension of the PD/GWSS Assessment, which will fund the program for another five years through 2031.

Through the renewal of the assessment, growers’ continued commitment to the industry and government partnership, led by the statewide Pierce’s Disease Control Program, leverages funding for essential activities, including:

• Researching nine pests and disease threats
• Maintaining and monitoring GWSS traps and eradicating new infestations
• Inspecting nursery stock shipments and overseeing nursery treatments
• Controlling GWSS using area-wide management programs
• Operating a biological control program to suppress GWSS populations

HOW YOU CAN HELP

California winegrowers should keep an eye on their mailboxes to ensure they vote to pass the referendum. 

At least 40% of ballots must be returned in order to move forward with approval of fees that provide Pierce’s Disease Control program funding (see FAQ document).

The threshold for approval of continuing the program is either of the following:

• (a) At least 65% of those voting, representing a majority of assessments paid, vote “yes” OR
• (b) A majority of those voting, representing at least 65% of assessments paid, vote “yes”

Results are expected in June. The annual value-based assessment on winegrapes, set at $1.25 per $1,000 of value for the past three years, powers research and solutions to fight pests, prevent disease and protect vineyards. Last conducted in 2020, the referendum passed with 78% approval.

BOTTOM LINE

This vote is your voice. A “yes” vote helps ensure our industry stays proactive, protected, and resilient in the face of pest and disease threats.

VIEW THE FAQ DOCUMENT →