April 14, 2025 — California winegrape growers are now receiving ballots in the mail to vote on extending the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Assessment for another five years through 2031. Ballots will arrive in a white envelope from the CA DEPT OF FOOD & AG and are due by May 13.
The annual value-based assessment, overseen by the grower-led PD/GWSS Board, funds critical research and activities that reduce the impact of winegrape pests and diseases, including PD, GWSS, viruses, mealybugs and spotted lanternfly. The assessment rate has remained steady for the past three years at $1.25 per $1,000 of winegrape value. Established in 2001, growers vote every five years on its continuance and the last referendum passed with an overwhelming 78% voter approval.
“The assessment has been instrumental in protecting California’s vineyards from serious pests and diseases by funding groundbreaking research to improve control and management practices and develop long-term solutions,” said Randy Heinzen, a Paso Robles winegrape grower and chair of the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board. “Grower participation in this vote is vital to continuing these efforts and ensuring the industry remains proactive in tackling evolving threats.”
Every winegrape producer who paid the 2024 assessment will receive a ballot by mail this week. Growers operating multiple entities will receive separate ballots for each. Each ballot should be completed and mailed back by May 13. For the referendum to pass, at least 40% of ballots must be returned, and either (a) at least 65% of voters, representing a majority of assessments paid, must vote “yes,” or (b) a majority of voters, representing at least 65% of assessments paid, must vote “yes.” Results are expected in June.
Thanks to the ongoing support of California’s winegrape growers, the PD/GWSS Board advances knowledge, improves management practices and responds swiftly to emerging threats. The PD/GWSS Board advises the California Department of Food and Agriculture on using assessment funds, ensuring that industry dollars are strategically invested to combat pests and diseases. Since its inception, the PD/GWSS Board has invested $57.7 million in 298 research projects.
For more information or questions, contact the CDFA Marketing Branch at (916) 900-5018 or email Miranda Townsend at Miranda.Townsend@cdfa.ca.gov or Denise Sanchas at Denise.Sanchas@cdfa.ca.gov.
About the PD/GWSS Board
In the face of increasing risks of invasive pests and diseases, California’s winegrape growers can turn to the innovative grower-government partnership created over two decades ago to help protect their vineyards. The PD/GWSS Board ensures winegrape grower assessment funds are spent wisely and productively to find solutions to PD, GWSS and other designated winegrape pests and diseases. The PD/GWSS Board has invested over $57.7 million in over 298 research and outreach grants since 2001 to safeguard California winegrapes. For more information, visit bit.ly/PDGWSSboard.
