Winegrape Growers Urged to Vote by June 12 Deadline to Preserve Critical Crop Protection Program

With less than 40% of ballots returned, industry leaders call for immediate action

SACRAMENTO, CA — With less than two weeks remaining until the extended voting deadline, the California wine community is urging winegrape growers across the state to submit their ballots by June 12, 2025, for the Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) referendum — a critical funding extension for the research and mitigation efforts essential to safeguarding the health and vitality of winegrapes against these known threats.

As of May 28, only 30.96% of eligible ballots have been returned. A 40% minimum participation threshold is required for the referendum to be valid.

The PD/GWSS Program, funded through a grower-paid assessment, supports vital research, monitoring and control efforts. Without continued funding, these protections and the return on decades of investment are at risk.

“This program protects more than just vines — it supports the livelihoods of the families and communities who grow California’s winegrapes,” said Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “Just one envelope, one vote, can help ensure we continue funding the research, outreach and protection our vineyards depend on.”

“This program is a proven example of how strategic investment and sound policy can safeguard an entire sector,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “Protecting vineyard health is essential to the long-term success of California wine, which supports jobs, tourism and local economies across the state. We urge all eligible growers to vote now to help keep this critical program in place.”

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) issued ballots to all eligible winegrape growers in mid-April, with a recently extended voting deadline of June 12. If participation falls short or if a majority of votes are not cast in favor of continuation, the program will end on March 1, 2026.

Who is eligible to vote?
Winegrape growers who paid the PD/GWSS assessment on grapes crushed during the 2024 season (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) are eligible. Each separate grape-growing business entity receives one ballot.

How to vote:

• Locate the ballot mailed by CDFA (duplicates were recently mailed to non-respondents). Any ballot you received can be completed and returned — only one will be counted per entity.
• Complete, sign and return the ballot using the postage-paid envelope.
• Ballots must be postmarked by June 12, 2025.

For questions or to request a replacement ballot, contact the CDFA Marketing Branch at (916) 900-5018.

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Media Contacts
CAWG: Mindy DeRohan 209-604-3330 mindy@cawg.org
Wine Institute: Gino DiCaro 916-730-3443 gdicaro@wineinstitute.org
Family Winemakers of California: Pete Downs 916-498-7500 pete@familywinemakers.org

About California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG)
CAWG represents the state’s winegrape growers, advocating on behalf of their interests in legislative, regulatory, and public policy arenas. Founded in 1974, CAWG promotes the sustainability, viability, and visibility of California’s winegrape industry, which forms the foundation of the state’s world-renowned wine sector. CAWG is dedicated to ensuring a strong future for growers through leadership, education, and collaboration.

About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.

About Family Winemakers of California
Family Winemakers of California is a steadfast advocate for the rights, interests, and growth of California wineries, especially small and family-owned producers. In an ever-evolving industry, wineries face a myriad of challenges —many of them intricate and far-reaching. Family Winemakers of California is at the forefront, addressing these issues through strategic advocacy and impactful action.