​The University of California Cooperative Extension (Napa) and Tule are building an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to diagnose grapevine virus symptoms. Their goal is to build an app called "Virus Vision" that diagnoses Grapevine Leafroll Disease, Red Blotch Disease, and other causes of red leaves from phone camera pictures.
 
NVG members can support their app by submitting pictures and virus test results; members who contribute to the data set will receive free and early access to the mobile app.

Each year, growers follow standards mandated by Napa County's Conservation Regulations and Erosion Control Plans (ECP) that prevent erosion and promote water security, protecting public health and preserving natural resources.  The following is a reminder of the annual requirements for Napa County grape growers:

• No earthmoving activities from October 15 to April 1 on slopes greater than 5% (September 1 to April 1 for vineyards in municipal watersheds)
• Winterization for most vineyards including cover cropping and installation of straw waddles by October 15 (September 15 for vineyards in municipal watersheds)

 
The County conducts annual randomized inspections to ensure winterization practices are enforced.  Individual Erosion Control Plans may be subject to other deadlines and extensions based on individual ECPs.
 
Since the 2017 fires, Napa County has allowed property owners to delay the application of straw mulch beyond the winterization deadline by submitting a formal winterization extension request for review and approval.

​On Friday, October 1, 2021 a total of five glassy-winged sharpshooters (GWSS) were confirmed on two different traps in a residential part of Vacaville, in Solano County. A delimitation survey that began on Saturday, October 2 confirmed some presence of GWSS at several more sites near the initial trap found through a visual survey. All of the finds so far have been in urban, residential settings in Solano County.
 
The Solano County Agricultural Commissioner’s office & the Pierce’s Disease Control Program are working together on next steps.  The Napa County Ag Commissioner’s office will share a press release and any relevant guidance as soon as available. Current protections in place in Napa County include:

• The Ag Department continues to inspect all incoming plant shipments from out of the county, regardless of the origin nursery and its location
• GWSS urban traps and nursery traps are placed throughout the county
• We track our landscape receiving locations and place GWSS traps up within days to additionally monitor for potential pests

 
NVG will continue to work with the Napa County Ag Commissioner’s office to keep growers informed as we learn more.
 
For more general information on GWSS, visit NVG’s Pest page and Napa County’s website.

​On September 30, President Biden signed into law a funding bill including $10 billion for the reauthorization of the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). The program will provide critical relief for growers and farmers who have suffered financial losses as a result of wildfires, smoke exposure, drought, excessive heat, and other natural disasters in 2020 and 2021.
 
Napa Valley growers will be advised to work with their local USDA Service Center to submit an application when the program officially re-opens. Please note, at this time appointments and applications are not possible until more guidance is in place. However, NVG will keep members informed and share instructions on how to apply as soon as the information becomes available.
 
NVG has continually advocated for disaster assistance for members following the 2020 wildfires and is grateful to Congressman Thompson for his continued efforts in securing this critical funding.