WSDA Looks To Updated Grape Quarantine Rules

In an effort to protect the state’s grape industry from harmful pests, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has proposed an update to quarantine rules involving the movement of all grape panting stock within the state. This proposed move come after several years of meetings between Department of Ag leaders in Washington, Idaho and Oregon, as well as industry members and researchers.

"The only way we can do that is with the industry's consent. In order to create a new rule, we have to take into account what the industry wants and what they are willing to do," WSDA Plant Services Program Manager Cindy Cooper. "Without that, it would kind of be meaningless. We hope that people will comment and make sure that if we missed anything in this rule making, they will let us know."

Cooper added this updated rule would “harmonize the pest quarantine lists with Oregon and Idaho”, meaning it would be easier for Washington plant stock growers to ship their stock out of state.

"We're also adding a couple of pests to the list that would affect the development of other states' ability to ship to us. Xiphinema Index is a nematode and it is present in eastern states, not here in the western states, and we want to make sure it stays out because it's a strong vector of disease."

Public hearing for the rule change are set for January 5^th, Click Here to learn more.

Washington is home to more than 79,000 acres of grapevines, and is the second largest producer of grapes in the United States.

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