Compensation Package Signed

Gov. Gray Davis signed AB 1242 (Wiggins) on April 8, which appropriates $7.14 million in federal relief funds for growers suffering losses from Pierces Disease vectored by the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter. The federal funds will be available through grants administered by CDFA. The agency has already notified 370 potentially eligible growers in Kern, Riverside, San Diego and Ventura counties. Applications will be accepted until June 1. Compensation rates will vary based on sample costs to establish a vineyard, calculated by UC Cooperative Extension Service. Vines or other affected plants must be removed by May 1 to qualify.