Grape Disease Bill Presented To California Governor

Posted by David Eddy|August 8, 2014

The California State Senate Thursday passed Assembly Bill 1642, the California Association of Winegrape Growers’ (CAWG) co-sponsored legislation to reauthorize the Pierce’s Disease Control Program to March 1, 2021.

The bill enjoys bipartisan support. Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto) presented the bill with Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) speaking in support of California’s “important [wine] industry” and “strongly encouraging” an “aye” vote on the measure. The bill passed with no opposition.

AB 1642 now heads to Governor Jerry Brown. CAWG sent a letter Thursday advising Brown of its support and requesting his signature. If signed into law, a referendum will be held in 2015 to approve an assessment on growers.

CAWG co-sponsored the bill with Family Winemakers of California and the Wine Institute.

Source: California Association of Winegrape Growers