Avenue Vine

"We're looking for a dynamic person who not only has the expertise to manage all the different research projects, but also is aware of the scope of other research taking place around the world that might be relevant to what we need here in our fight against PD/GWSS," said Steve McIntyre, chairman of the research subcommittee for the PD/GWSS Board and a winegrape grower in Monterey.

The new research director will monitor and help facilitate the Board's high level of research activity and ensure that maximum benefit is being derived from the research dollars invested while avoiding any duplication of research efforts.

"Our goal is to bring in someone who can foster an environment where collaboration between researchers accelerates discovery," said McIntyre.

Those interested in applying for the position can find more information on the California State Contracts Register Web site at http://www.cscr.dgs.ca.gov/cscr. The contact number is RFP #05-0616.

The PD/GWSS Board was established in July 2001 to support scientific research to find a cure for Pierce’s Disease. An annual assessment paid by winegrape growers supports the its research efforts. The PD/GWSS Board also advises the California Department of Food and Agriculture on a variety of other issues pertaining to Pierce’s Disease and the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter.

The work of the Board is underlined by the fact that Pierce’s Disease has no known cure and, left unchecked, could be devastating to the grape industry and several other California crops. A study recently released by the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers showed that the total annual economic impact of California’s winegrape industry is estimated at $45.4 billion.

Source: Press Release, Sacramento, CA, March 14, 2006

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