County Press Releases

Placerville, CA – June 17, 2015 – The California State Farm Service Agency (FSA) has approved Grapevine Red Blotch-associated Virus (GRBaV) as an eligible plant disease for financial assistance through the 2014 Farm Bill, Tree Assistance Program (TAP).

Grapevine red blotch-associated virus can cause a significant reduction in sugar accumulation in the fruit. The symptoms start appearing in late summer as irregular red blotches on leaves, with leaf veins turning red in red grape varieties and pale yellow blotches with irregular chlorosis in white grape varieties.

A summary of requirements of eligibility and assistance limitations include:

• Vines cannot be removed before inspection by a Farm Service Agency employee
• The producer must submit specimens to a commercial lab to substantiate the
  presence of red blotch
• The first 15% of loss is not covered
• There is a 500 acre annual limit
• Maximum payment rates:
  • $4 per vine replacement
  • $2 per vine planting
  • $500 per acre site preparation
   

Affected farmers should contact their local Farm Service Agency Office to schedule an appointment for the required visual inspection. The address for the FSA Center Office serving the County of El Dorado is: 9701 Dino Dr., STE 170, Elk Grove CA 95624-4042. The phone number is (916)714-1104.

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