California grapes receive funding for disease and pest control

August 26, 2026 Fresno, CA – The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District Board of Directors authorized the use of up to $1.7 million in district reactionary funds, generated through the California table grape industry, to support 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 board of directors meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026, in response to an approximately $1.7 million funding shortfall associated with current PD/GWSS program activities.

The 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. Since there is currently no cure for Pierce’s disease, preventing the movement of the disease and controlling populations of GWSS remain essential to protecting California vineyards.

Background
The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District was formed pursuant to Article 8.7 of Chapter 9 of Division 4 of the California Food and Agricultural Code.

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. GWSS presents a significant threat because it can spread the bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease as it feeds on grapevines.

Historically, USDA and CDFA have provided funding for the GWSS Area-Wide Treatment Program. Due to federal and state funding shortfalls, the funding toward the GWSS program has been cut year-over-year. The district’s board of directors is providing emergency industry funding to prevent disruption of the program while longer-term state and federal funding solutions are pursued.

Protecting Kern and Tulare Counties:
GWSS and Pierce’s Disease do not recognize county, crop, or district boundaries. A coordinated, area-wide approach to surveillance and treatment is critical to reducing GWSS populations and limiting the potential movement of the pest into vineyards and other agricultural areas.

Citrus plays a particularly important role in GWSS management because citrus trees serve as a primary year-round host for the pest. Area-wide programs use trapping and monitoring to identify areas with elevated GWSS populations and coordinate treatments in citrus and other host areas when necessary.

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.

The district remains committed to working collaboratively with CDFA, county agricultural commissioners, growers and other agricultural partners to protect California’s grape industry from Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter.

For additional information, please contact the Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District at (559) 210-0118.

Contact: Nick Nakashian
Nick@grapesfromcalifornia.com