CAWG leads the Winegrape Pest Management Alliance, a grower-driven partnership with the Department of Pesticide Regulation and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to promote reduced-risk pest management. Grants recently were secured from both agencies to help fund effort for a third year. The Alliance is guided by a prestigious management team, consisting of grower organizations, wineries, extensionists, researchers, and regulators. Joe Browde is the project coordinator.

Marked achievements have been made over two years. Through field days, seminars, and workshops, large numbers of growers, pest control advisors, and vineyard foremen and workers have been educated about sulfur best management practices and reduced-risk weed management. A key goal is to reduce sulfur drift incidents and uses of higher-risk herbicides. Events also have been held for the general public to enlighten them to Alliance activities, thereby improving grower interactions with neighbors.

Innovative field demonstration and outreach will be used to intensify effort for year three. For the winegrowing community, activities will include more details about integrated programs for managing powdery mildew and weeds. Public events will continue and be expanded into new geographical areas.

Efforts by the Alliance are reducing real and perceived risks from pesticides and enhancing relationships between agricultural and non-agricultural communities. Click the links above for additional information and materials.