(a) The board may, after consulting with the advisory task force and upon making findings as described in this section, recommend to the secretary, and the secretary may determine, that a pest or disease affecting grapes grown in California and crushed for wine, wine vinegar, juice, concentrate, or beverage brandy be designated as an other designated pest or disease, and that money should be expended on research and outreach programs for purposes consistent with Sections 6046 and 6047.1 relating to the other designated pest or disease. However, no General Fund moneys shall be expended after March 1, 2011, on new research and outreach programs relating to other designated pests or diseases.
(b) The board’s findings in support of a recommendation under this section shall include all of the following:
(1) The pest or disease would adversely affect the health of grape vines, the yield from grape vines, or the quality of grapes grown on the vines if the pest or disease becomes established in California or expands to new areas of the state.
(2) The pest or disease would significantly damage the state’s agricultural business economy if allowed to become established in California or expand to new areas of the state.
(3) Significant portions of the grape producing areas of the state are now affected, or reasonably likely to be adversely affected in the future, by the spread of the pest or disease.
(4) Expenditures of money approved by the secretary based on the findings and recommendations described in this section will not, to a substantial degree, diminish any expenditures under Article 8 (commencing with Section 6045) or this article on Pierce’s disease and its vectors, particularly the glassy-winged sharpshooter, research, work plans, and program activities.
(5) Scientific experts, including, but not limited to, university researchers, entomologists, plant pathologists, economists, and other agricultural representatives have provided information and advice in support of the findings described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4). For purposes of this paragraph, it is not required that all scientific experts consulted by the board agree or provide similar advice.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 325, Sec. 11. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2010. Conditionally inoperative on March 1, 2016, as provided in Sections 6047.20 and 6047.27. Repealed as of March 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 6047.19.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018