CDFA to Announce Process, Dates for Pierce's Disease Assessment Referendum.

WHAT:    California winegrape growers will vote this spring on
         whether to continue the Pierce's Disease (PD) assessment,
         which funds research aimed at proactively addressing the
         threat posed by PD and the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter
         (GWSS). At a press conference today, representatives from
         the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
         will introduce the process for the Referendum and release
         important information regarding the Referendum.

WHO:     Spokespeople:
           --  Bob Wynn, CDFA's Statewide Coordinator for the Pierce's
               Disease Control Program
           --  Brad Lange, Chairman, PD/GWSS Board

WHEN:    PD/GWSS Assessment Referendum Dates -- Press Conference:
         Wednesday, January 26, 12:30 p.m.
         (During the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium)

WHERE:   Room 303, Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street,
         Sacramento, CA
         From Highway 50 (north and south), take the 16th Street exit.
         Follow 16th for about 3/4 mile and turn left on J Street. The
         Convention Center will be on your left-hand side. A parking
         garage is located on the opposite side of the street.

CONTACT: Press Check-in Upstairs in Room 303 -- Camera Crews Please
         Call Ahead
         Mike Miller or Ken Freeze, Brown-Miller Communications, Inc.
         Press Room Phone [phone]
         On-site Cell Phones [phone] or [phone]