“The National Clean Plant Network is a valuable resource for our wine industry of Washington and other areas of the PNW and the nation. Virus-clean grapevine material from the Clean Plant Center Northwest (CPCNW) has given the Washington wine industry a future and direction in battling the most significant disease (Grapevine leafroll) facing the industry. This is important to me and many others for the long-term sustainability of our farming operations. We farm over 1300 acres of wine grapes and 250 acres of Concords and we cannot afford to overlook the significance of clean, virus-free planting material.
It is without any reservation that I support the NCPN and CPCNW because I know firsthand that the long-term sustainability of the wine grape industry depends on the availability of clean, virus-free grape plants.
In 2009 our farm removed 13 acres of Chardonnay (purchased from a reputable nursery) that we thought were certified and virus free. The Chardonnay vines were planted in 2006 and the planting/training costs of the first 3 years were just beginning to be recovered when we determined the vines were not clean but diseased with 2 viruses. On top of this, we had just propagated 10,000 vines from this same block the previous year, not knowing the vines were infected. We lost two-fold: existing vineyard and future planting. Since 2009 we have replaced 115 acres (11 blocks) of grapevine leafroll-infected vines that were low yielding and poor quality. This firsthand experience makes me a firm believer in the CPCNW—it is paramount to the future of our industry.”
Chris Bowland, grape grower and vineyard manager, Sonoma County, California
"I've had to replant a number of young vineyards due to unclean plant material. It's heartbreaking. Starting with known, clean material, is fundamental in maintaining the longevity of a vineyard.”
Kevin C. Judkins, Owner/Operator, Inland Desert Nursery, Benton City Washington
“Inland Desert Nursery is the largest grapevine nursery in the Pacific Northwest, delivering annually 2 million plus field-grown and green-potted vines to customers across North America. The National Clean Plant Network is critical to the future of our business. Having the support of the Clean Plant Center Northwest in Prosser WA and Foundation Plant Services in Davis CA is essential to our mission of providing clean vines to our clients.”
Dennis Rak, Double A Vineyards, New York
“Double A Vineyards is one of the largest grapevine nurseries in the East, with sales of over 100 varieties. The National Clean Plant Network is important to Double A Vineyards' future business success. Double A Vineyards is currently doubling their increase vineyards from 40 acres to 80 to supply the growing demand for grapes for planting east of the Rockies. NCPN will provide us a clean source of plant material for future plantings and will benefit the entire grape industry. This is not something we could do ourselves and the program is a great example of the industry working together for the benefit of all.”