SACRAMENTO, August 30, 2024 – This week, Governor Newsom signed AB 1861 (Addis, D-Morro Bay) to extend a vital program within the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) that protects California’s vineyards and iconic wine industry from pests and disease. This legislation was sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), Wine Institute, and Family Winemakers of California.
AB 1861 will safeguard California’s wine industry and support ongoing research, inspection, and control measures for Pierce’s Disease (PD) and the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) by extending the Pierce’s Disease Control Program (program) and the PD/GWSS Board from 2026 to 2031. This extension is subject to the approval of growers through a referendum that will be conducted in 2025. The last PD/GWSS referendum, conducted in 2020, passed with 78 percent approval of California winegrape growers.
PD/GWSS poses a serious threat to California vineyards. GWSS is one of the most invasive and destructive pests affecting the state’s grape industry by spreading PD through vineyards. That is why this program is a top priority for growers and lawmakers alike. AB 1861 was approved unanimously in both the Senate and Assembly and received bipartisan support. There was no opposition to this legislation throughout the legislative process.
“Over the past 23 years, the Pierce’s Disease Control Program has been crucial in tackling the threats posed by Pierce’s Disease and vineyard diseases and pests,” said Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “The program’s success stems from strong partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies, with vital support from the winegrape industry. We appreciate Governor Newsom’s signature on AB 1861 and Assemblymember Addis’ leadership in authoring this important legislation to protect our vineyards.”
“This legislation is a critical extension of the research, innovation, and mitigation and prevention efforts essential to safeguarding the health and vitality of our winegrapes against known threats,” said Robert P. Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. “California wineries are grateful that Governor Newsom has approved this measure so we may continue to collaborate with CDFA to protect our vineyards against this invasive species.”
“The members of Family Winemakers of California, as one of the original advocates for the Pierce’s Disease Control program, is thankful for the continued support of the California Department of Agriculture, Secretary Ross, the Legislature, and the Governor for this important program,” said Pete Downs, President of Family Winemakers of California. “The progress that the PD/GWSS Board
has made in understanding and combatting this potentially devastating disease illustrates the importance of the industry and government working together for the common good.”
The PD/GWSS Board continues to direct groundbreaking research to advance knowledge and improve pest management practices, ensuring the long-term sustainability of California’s winegrape industry. Ongoing research projects cover a wide array of topics, ranging from understanding pest and disease dynamics to developing innovative control strategies that can be applied across the industry.
California leads the nation in wine production, producing 81 percent of all U.S. wine and generating a staggering $170.5 billion in annual economic activity. With 610,000 acres of winegrapes producing 3.7 million tons, California’s commitment to sustainability shines through, with 90 percent of its wine produced in certified sustainable wineries.
