Title
Agriculture Department recommending the Board receive and file a presentation on the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter eradication efforts.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In October 2024, through annual pest detection trapping, GWSS was found in the Serrano Area of El Dorado Hills. Based on these detections and recommendations from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) staff entomologists, CDFA concludes that an infestation of GWSS exists in the area. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has declared an Emergency Projects proclamation to eradicate GWSS in El Dorado County.
The GWSS is a vector of Pierce’s disease (PD). PD is considered one of the most devastating diseases of grapevines in the world. The bacterium that causes the disease, Xylella fastidiosa, kills grapevines within two to five years of infection. There is no cure for Pierce’s disease. There are currently 274 properties of grape production within the County at risk from the recent GWSS detections. The 2024 value for El Dorado County’s grape production was $8 million.
Ongoing treatment in the area remains crucial because glassy-winged sharpshooters are still being found in monitoring traps. New infestation areas have also been identified within El Dorado Hills. These results indicate that the pest has not been fully eliminated and continues to pose a risk of spreading Pierce’s disease to vineyards within our County. Continuing treatment efforts is vital to prevent population growth, limit the spread, and ultimately achieve complete eradication before the pest becomes established and impacts the grape industry statewide.
ALTERNATIVES
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PRIOR BOARD ACTION
January 13, 2026, Legistar file 26-0060, the Board approved Amendment I to Cooperative Agreement 24-0469-004-SF with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and Amendment III to Agreement for Services 9438 with Neighborly Pest Management, Inc.
July 15, 2025, Legistar file 25-1220, the Board approved the Cooperative Agreement 24-0469-004-SF with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and Amendment II to Agreement for Services 9438 with Neighborly Pest Management, Inc.
May 13, 2025, Legistar file 25-0894, the Board approved Amendment II to Cooperative Agreement 23-0529-007-SF-02 from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
May 13, 2025, Legistar file 25-0890, the Board approved Amendment I to Agreement for Services 9438 with Neighborly Pest Management, Inc.
March 11, 2025, Legistar file 25-0432, the Board approved Agreement for Services 9438 with Neighborly Pest Management, Inc.
February 4, 2025, Legistar file 25-0168, the Board approved Amendment I to Cooperative Agreement 23-0529-007-SF-02 from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Receive and file as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
GWSS threatens a crop production value of $5.41 billion and associated economic activity within California of approximately $73 billion. If left unabated, the spread of GWSS in California would cause significant harm to the natural environment, as it would lead to increased unmonitored pesticide use by residents and, where control and eradication measures are not used, increased disease in agricultural and landscape plants.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
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STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Safe and Healthy Communities. Strengthen Emergency Response Capabilities and Effectiveness
CONTACT
Corrie Larsen (530) 621-5522
LeeAnne Mila (530) 621-7403