Lawmakers seek $32.2M in emergency federal funds to fight grape pest

California lawmakers are requesting $32.2 million in federal emergency funding to combat the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an invasive pest introduced to the region through Costco vine sales. According to a letter sent Tuesday to the U.S. Agriculture Department, the insect carries a fatal disease that could cause $104 million in annual losses if it spreads to commercial vineyards.

How did the glassy-winged sharpshooter spread?

The California Department of Food and Agriculture found in May that infested vines were supplied to several Costco locations, including a store in Danville. These plants, which numbered in the hundreds, originated from Burchell Nursery in Fresno County.

The letter from lawmakers states the pest has spread to at least 38 counties statewide as customers purchased and planted the vines. Authorities currently believe the infestation is restricted to residential areas and has not yet reached commercial vineyards.

Did You Know? The glassy-winged sharpshooter is an aggressive flyer that travels greater distances than native sharpshooters and feeds on the xylem fluid of a wide variety of plants.

What are the economic risks to California?

The glassy-winged sharpshooter spreads Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection fatal to grapevines. This disease can also damage citrus, almond, and ornamental plants, posing what lawmakers describe as a “potentially catastrophic threat” to the state’s agriculture.

Emergency council meeting called to try to protect federal funds

Michael Miller, director of government relations for the California Association of Winegrape Growers, noted that while the pest may have been caught early, the cost of tracing and community outreach is a “very, very costly problem.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the primary stakes involve the transition of the pest from residential gardens to commercial operations. If the insect migrates into professional vineyards, the financial impact could shift from a containment cost to a recurring annual loss of over $100 million.

What is the plan for eradication?

The funding request was led by Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with 12 House members, including Reps. Mike Thompson, Jimmy Panetta, Jared Huffman, John Garamendi, and Mark DeSaulnier. The lawmakers estimate the eradication process will take up to four years.

The requested $32.2 million would be used for trapping, surveying, tracing, and eradication efforts. Depending on the availability of these funds, officials may be able to identify exactly where the infested vines were sold to prevent further spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the glassy-winged sharpshooter?
It is an aggressive flying insect that feeds on plant xylem fluid and spreads Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection fatal to grapevines.

Which stores were involved in the spread of the pest?
Infested vines from Burchell Nursery in Fresno County were sold at multiple Costco locations across California, including the Danville store.

How many counties are affected?
According to the letter sent to the U.S. Agriculture Department, the pest has spread to at least 38 counties.

Do you think stricter regulations on nursery sales could prevent future agricultural pests?