Funding Will Go Towards Research and Development to Fight Deadly Disease

WASHINGTON, DC - Reps. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) and Mike Thompson (D-Napa) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives increased funding to combat and research Pierce’s Disease through the Congressional appropriations process. The money was approved as part of H.R. 2673, the Agricultural Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004.

Pierce’s Disease is a deadly virus of grapevines and is present from California to Florida and as far south as Central America. From 1997 to 1999, damage from Pierce’s Disease cost northern California counties $33 million. The Glassy-winged Sharpshooter is the insect responsible for spreading the disease. Once the insect feeds off a sickened plant, it can spread the bacterium for the rest of its lifetime.

“The diversity that agriculture brings to Sonoma and Marin counties is what keeps our local economy stable and our quality of life beautiful,” said Rep. Woolsey. "This money will help prevent the spread of Pierce’s disease to the vineyards of Sonoma County and protect the viticulture industry throughout the state of California.”

"This is a giant step forward in combating a disease that could wipe out California's entire wine-related economy," said Rep. Thompson. "With this funding we can continue working towards a solution to eliminate this deadly virus from our vineyards. The fight is far from over and will require continued diligence."

The $34.228 million approved through the Congressional Appropriation will go towards the following:

· $3 million - The Agricultural Research Service at the University of California at Davis.

· $3.2 million - Viticulture research, various research facilities. Facilities in California and Florida are studying the effect of various diseases and pests on the vitality of grape crops, such as Pierce’s Disease and the Glassywinged Sharpshooter.

· $2.35 million - University of California, Special Research Grant. Research and education activities on Pierce’s Disease.

· $1.778 million - Viticulture Consortium, Special Research Grant. The Consortium, administered by Cornell University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, enhances research coordination, collaboration, improves efficiency and eliminates duplication of effort for viticulture research.

· $1.9 million - Center for Exotic Pest Research at the University of California - Special research grant for research and education activities.

· $22 million - Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service - Containment and control, including trappings, inspections and implementing county plans.

California’s wine industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy generating $33 billion each year. Rep. Woolsey works each year to generate support throughout California for increased funding to combat Pierce’s Disease. Last year, California secured $22.2 million in the FY 2003 Omnibus Appropriation Act and $8.8 million from the Office of Management and Budget to continue the fight against the disease.

This $34 million to combat Piece’s Disease is in addition to the $3.2 million Rep. Woolsey secured to fight Sudden Oak Death in the House Agricultural Appropriations bill. After the Senate version of the Agricultural Appropriations bill is passed, the two bills will be reconciled in conference committee before a final version is approved.