Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board Research and Outreach Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for universities, research institutions, and organizations conducting research on Pierce's disease and related pests of California winegrapes. Applicants may work on Pierce's disease vectors, glassy-winged sharpshooter, brown marmorated stink bug, grapevine fanleaf disease, grapevine leafroll disease, grapevine red blotch disease, mealybug pests, or spotted lanternfly. Projects must address practical solutions to winegrape pest and disease problems in California. Multi-disciplinary team projects are encouraged and preferred.
Geographic scope is limited to California. This program is funded by special assessment from the California winegrape industry. Prior awards range from $4,300 to $383,000 annually, with project durations of one to three years.
This grant is for universities, research institutions, and organizations conducting research on Pierce's disease and related pests of California winegrapes. Applicants may work on Pierce's disease vectors, glassy-winged sharpshooter, brown marmorated stink bug, grapevine fanleaf disease, grapevine leafroll disease, grapevine red blotch disease, mealybug pests, or spotted lanternfly. Projects must address practical solutions to winegrape pest and disease problems in California. Multi-disciplinary team projects are encouraged and preferred.
Geographic scope is limited to California. This program is funded by special assessment from the California winegrape industry. Prior awards range from $4,300 to $383,000 annually, with project durations of one to three years.
Program description
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board (CDFA PD/GWSS Board) accepts proposals for research and outreach projects on the following serious pests and diseases of winegrapes: Pierce’s disease and its vectors, especially the glassy-winged sharpshooter; brown marmorated stink bug; grapevine fanleaf disease; grapevine leafroll disease; grapevine red blotch disease; mealybug pests of winegrapes; spotted lanternfly. The CDFA PD/GWSS Board’s Research and Outreach Program is funded by a special assessment paid by the California winegrape industry. Prior awards have ranged from $4,300 per year to $383,000 per year, with projects ranging from one to three years in duration. Funding preference will be given to projects deemed likely to lead to practical solutions to winegrape pest and disease problems in California. Multi-disciplinary team projects are encouraged.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Tribal Nation
Details
This grant is for universities, research institutions, and organizations conducting research on Pierce's disease and related pests of California winegrapes. Applicants may work on Pierce's disease vectors, glassy-winged sharpshooter, brown marmorated stink bug, grapevine fanleaf disease, grapevine leafroll disease, grapevine red blotch disease, mealybug pests, or spotted lanternfly. Projects must address practical solutions to winegrape pest and disease problems in California. Multi-disciplinary team projects are encouraged and preferred.
Geographic scope is limited to California. This program is funded by special assessment from the California winegrape industry. Prior awards range from $4,300 to $383,000 annually, with project durations of one to three years.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Research proposal or project narrative
- Budget and budget narrative
- Timeline and deliverables
- Applicant organization credentials
- References or letters of support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 pdresearch@cdfa.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-900-5024
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 29 | 11 | 38% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, research institutions, and organizations can apply. You must propose research on Pierce's disease or related pests affecting California winegrapes. Multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged.
What geographic areas are eligible?
This grant is restricted to California. Projects must address winegrape pest and disease problems in the state.
What types of projects are funded?
Research projects addressing practical solutions for Pierce's disease, glassy-winged sharpshooter, brown marmorated stink bug, grapevine fanleaf disease, leafroll disease, red blotch disease, mealybug pests, or spotted lanternfly. Outreach projects are also supported.
What is the funding range?
Prior awards have ranged from $4,300 to $383,000 per year. Project duration typically spans one to three years.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. Funding comes from the California winegrape industry special assessment.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize practical, implementable solutions. The board prioritizes research likely to solve real-world winegrape pest problems in California.
- Form multi-disciplinary teams when possible. Projects combining expertise from multiple fields have better competitive chances.
- Connect your research to current California winegrape industry challenges. Demonstrate awareness of which pests are most damaging regionally.
- Detail your outreach plan if applicable. Show how results will reach growers and industry stakeholders.
- Be clear about timeline and deliverables. Specify whether your project is one, two, or three years with concrete milestones.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack practical solutions focus. Reviewers prioritize research with clear, implementable outcomes for growers. Weak or missing outreach plans. Single-discipline proposals miss opportunities highlighted by program preference for multi-disciplinary teams.
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