California Ag Network

Tag: California Table Grapes

  • Funding Committed to Fight Pierce’s Disease

    The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District Board of Directors authorized the use of up to $1.7 million in district reactionary funds, generated through the California table grape industry, to support CDFA activities related to the prevention and control of Pierce’s Disease (PD) and the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS).

    The action was taken during the district’s board of directors meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026, in response to an approximately $1.7 million funding shortfall associated with current PD/GWSS program activities.

    The district recognizes continued GWSS surveillance, treatment, and suppression as critical to limiting the spread of Pierce’s Disease and protecting California’s table grape, wine grape and raisin industries. Since there is currently no cure for Pierce’s disease, preventing the movement of the disease and controlling populations of GWSS remain essential to protecting California vineyards.

    Background

    The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District was formed pursuant to Article 8.7 of Chapter 9 of Division 4 of the California Food and Agricultural Code.

    Under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 6047.87, the district is authorized to take actions necessary to control, eradicate, remove, or prevent the spread of GWSS, Pierce’s Disease and other designated pests and diseases injurious to table grapes. GWSS presents a significant threat because it can spread the bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease as it feeds on grapevines.

    Historically, USDA and CDFA have provided funding for the GWSS Area-Wide Treatment Program. Due to federal and state funding shortfalls, the funding toward the GWSS program has been cut year-over-year. The district’s board of directors is providing emergency industry funding to prevent disruption of the program while longer-term state and federal funding solutions are pursued.

    Protecting Kern and Tulare Counties

    GWSS and Pierce’s Disease do not recognize county, crop, or district boundaries. A

    coordinated, area-wide approach to surveillance and treatment is critical to reducing GWSS populations and limiting the potential movement of the pest into vineyards and other agricultural areas.

    Citrus plays a particularly important role in GWSS management because citrus trees serve as a primary year-round host for the pest. Area-wide programs use trapping and monitoring to identify areas with elevated GWSS populations and coordinate treatments in citrus and other host areas when necessary.

    The funding commitment from the district will help support continued CDFA-coordinated PD/GWSS activities, including area-wide efforts that provide resources for eligible citrus growers to conduct approved treatments designed to suppress GWSS populations. These activities complement trapping, monitoring, and other preventative measures intended to reduce the movement of GWSS and protect nearby vineyards.

    By committing up to $1.7 million from accumulated district reactionary funds, the board is

    investing industry-generated funds directly into efforts intended to protect table grape

    growers. For growers in Kern and Tulare counties, there will be no assessment change.

    The district remains committed to working collaboratively with CDFA, county agricultural

    commissioners, growers and other agricultural partners to protect California’s grape industry from Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter.

    For additional information, please contact the Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District at 559-210-0118. — Story contributed by the Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District

  • Grapes from California Team Up with NFL Star Davante Adams

    The California Table Grape Commission (commission), All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams and the Los Angeles Rams are teaming up ahead of the first-ever regular-season football game in Australia. The matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne on Sept. 10 presents an opportunity to celebrate California’s global influence on and off the field. With two California teams competing on an international stage and a California-born-and-raised star athlete at the center of the matchup in one of the California table grape industry’s key export markets, the game, which will stream globally on Netflix, creates a platform to showcase California agriculture, talent, trade and culture to consumers around the world.

    A northern California native and standout athlete at Fresno State, Adams represents the connection between California’s agricultural heritage and its tradition of athletic excellence. Australia is an important export market for California table grapes, making the Rams game in Melbourne a natural opportunity to strengthen awareness of California grapes and the California goodness they represent among Australian consumers. The partnership highlights the state’s growers, shippers, workers, plus their families and communities while reinforcing California’s reputation for producing products enjoyed around the world.

    As a partner of the Rams, Grapes from California have been designated the official grape of the Los Angeles Rams domestically and in Australia. The campaign will feature two consumer sweepstakes designed to drive excitement on both sides of the Pacific. One sweepstakes will offer Australian fans the opportunity to win tickets to the historic Rams-49ers game in Melbourne, while a second sweepstakes will award a grand prize trip for two from Melbourne to Los Angeles, including travel and tickets to a future Rams home game. California grapes will also be integrated into Rams-hosted activities for fans happening in Melbourne around the historic game. More details about these activations will be announced in the coming weeks.

    “This is a uniquely California moment,” said Commission President Ian LeMay. “When two California football teams meet in Australia for a landmark event, it creates an extraordinary platform to tell California’s story. For our growers and shippers, Australia represents an important export market, and this partnership with a renowned athlete like Davante Adams allows us to highlight that exceptional athletes and agriculture products are rooted in California and shared around the world. Davante and the Los Angeles Rams embody what California represents: California roots with global reach. Together, we’re sharing the very best of California with consumers around the world.”

    “The Rams are proud to partner with Grapes from California as we bring one of the biggest moments in our season to an international audience,” said Chris Edwards, Los Angeles Rams Vice President of Partnerships. “Together, we’re celebrating the growing connection between

    the Rams and fans in Australia, using this global stage to share our story and engage audiences around the world.”

    “I’m from California, and the Central Valley will always be home,” said Adams. “That’s where my story began. Working with Grapes from California feels authentic because it represents the same people and values that shaped me. Taking that connection to Australia lets me bring that Valley pride and share it with fans across the world.”

    — Story Contributed by Grapes from California

  • California Table Grape Commission Chairman Elected

    Justin Parnagian of Fowler Packing Company Inc. was recently elected to serve as the chairman of the California Table Grape Commission. Parnagian was preceded by Marko Zaninovich, of Sunview Vineyards, who served as commission chairman since 2024.

    “The commission is deeply appreciative of Marko’s leadership during a significant period of transition for our organization and industry,” said Commission President Ian LeMay. “Throughout his tenure as chairman, Marko demonstrated a tremendous respect for the legacy of the California table grape industry, while also maintaining a clear focus on the work necessary to position our industry for the future and address the challenges ahead. We are equally excited to welcome Justin into this leadership role and look forward to working alongside him as we continue advancing the mission of the commission and building upon the strong foundation of California table grapes both domestically and internationally.”

    Six commissioners were also recently reappointed to their positions after district nomination meetings were held between March 3 and March 4, 2026: Jack Campbell, District 1; Wayde Kirschenman, District 2; Jon Paul Zaninovich, District 3; John D. Zaninovich, District 4; Gary Gipson, District 5; and Justin Parnagian, District 6. — Story contributed by the California Table Grape Commission

  • Table Grape Commission Awarded $2.2M through Through America First Trade Promotion Program

    The California Table Grape Commission announced a $2.2 million award through the America First Trade Promotion Program to support expanding international marketing efforts to strengthen demand for California table grapes.

    “This award through the America First Trade Promotion Program represents a meaningful investment in the continued success of the California table grape industry and the communities the industry supports,” said Commission President Ian LeMay. “We are grateful to the Trump Administration for recognizing the importance of export market development and for providing tools that help American agriculture compete and thrive in global markets. These resources will allow us to expand strategic promotions in key partner countries and ensure consumers around the world continue to choose grapes from California.”

    California table grapes are exported to more than 60 countries each year, with international markets representing an important component of industry stability and growth. According to the Commission, funding from this award will support retail initiatives in Australia, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom, and reinforce California’s position as a global supplier, while supporting growers, shippers and farming communities throughout the San Joaquin and Coachella valleys.

  • Local Chefs at Whole Vine Festival Awarded for Innovative Use of California Table Grapes

    To support the local and innovative culinary use of grapes, the California Table Grape Commission sponsored a competition at the recent Whole Vine Festival, awarding cash prizes to the top three food trucks incorporating grapes from California on their menus. A $1,000 grand prize was awarded to Rice and Spice for their Thai Papaya (and grape) salad. Runner up $250 prizes went to Marcelino’s Wood Fired Pizza for their Whole Vine Pie (grape & balsamic glaze reduction drizzled over cheese blend topped with arugula and fresh sliced grapes) and their dessert pizza (with red grapes, brie and honey), and Madtown’s Burger & Tacos for their Grape Pollination Salad and PB&J Burger.  Watch this brief interview with Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau as she introduces the grand prize winner and shares more details with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network.

  • Postharvest State of the California Table Grape Industry

    How did the 2024 harvest fare for California table grape growers following the extensive high heat conditions they weathered over the summer? What are the biggest challenges concerning growers moving into 2025? California Fresh Fruit Association President Daniel Hartwig addressed these questions at Malcolm Media’s annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in his State of the Industry address. Watch his interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • New Technology to Quickly Assess Nitrogen Status of Grapevines

    Want to speed up the grapevine nitrogen sampling and testing process in your vineyard?  Watch this brief interview featuring Alireza Pourreza, an Associate Professor at UC Davis, who shares that it can now be done effectively using remote sensing from above the vineyard. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor the U.S Department of Agriculture for their industry support.

  • Celebrate Central Valley Grapes, Raisins & Wines at the Whole Vine Festival

    The inaugural Whole Vine Festival is coming to Fresno State University Oct. 21-22, 2023. Grape growers and consumers alike are invited to gather to celebrate the best of the San Joaquin Valley.  Watch this brief interview with Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau as she shares more details.  American Vineyard Magazine is proud to be among the Founding Sponsors and supporters of this free-admission event, so be sure to read more about the festival in the latest issue.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor the U.S Department of Agriculture for their industry support.

  • California Table Grape Growers Report Significant Loss Due to Summer Storm

    While California farmers generally appreciate a good rain, there are certain times of the year when even a little rain can have a devastating effect on certain crops.  Hurricane Hilary brought a very untimely summer storm that has impacted up to 40% of California’s entire table grape crop.  With the bulk of the nation’s table grape supply grown in California, time will soon tell what kind of impact the unexpected reduction in supply will have on the marketplace.  Watch this brief interview with Fresno County table grape grower and crop insurance provider Doug Benik to learn more about the impact and status of this year’s table grape crop. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • Rootstock Performance on Young and Mature Autumn King Grapevines

    If you missed Grape Day at the Kearney Agricultural Research & Extension Center this year, be sure to watch this brief interview featuring Ashraf El Kereamy and Tian Tian from the UC Cooperative Extension, who reported their recent trial observations on the performance of both young and mature Autumn King table grapes on various rootstocks and read more about grape growing in the new Table Grape Tasks column of American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.