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Lawmakers hear urgency on glassy winged sharpshooter; industry and state outline funding needs
Summary
Officials and industry warned of a spreading glassy winged sharpshooter threat that spreads Pierce's disease in grapevines and other crops. CDFA estimated $18.5 million annually for an eradication program; the Wine Institute asked for $19.7 million in additional resources.
Assemblymember Aguiar‑Curry told the committee she has been tracking a glassy winged sharpshooter outbreak and urged an "immediate" state response to prevent widespread crop losses. Under Secretary Christine Birdsong told the committee a stepped‑up campaign would be costly but necessary: "It will cost $18,500,000 every year for detection, monitoring, eradication," she said.
Representatives from the wine industry urged larger support at public comment. Noel Kramer of the Wine Institute said the industry has already spent substantial funds on Pierce's disease response and requested $19,700,000 to expand trace‑forwards and eradication work. Panelists and lawmakers discussed the link between abandoned or fallowed land and pest pressure and urged coordinated border‑station and early detection investments to reduce long‑term costs.
